Ways these Broncos and their flexible QB could end that Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst is a football expert and plays for Great Britain's flag football team.
- Published
- Half a dozen responses
NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week of the NFL season and after last week's talk about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, each lost their perfect starts.
Notable in those games was the amount of infractions each committed. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times meaning they kind of beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period versus Denver, set to play overseas this weekend.
However it was positive to observe that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome that deficit and then lead three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the game by four points.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing extra pass rushers but they could position two LBs in the interior then withdrawing them and dispatch a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, we said during a show that the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well then did a good job of building upon that.
Are the Denver Broncos this season's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has excelled big while new running back their rusher is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (over 400) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that Denver represent a squad aiming to run first, since you can achieve much based on that approach. It reduces down the pass rush and keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also benefited QB the young passer, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His strengths include his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to make the pass when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of composure in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and is able pass under pressure. He has sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you consistently rush it consumes time and forces the opponent to be in play for longer, and when you have an athletic quarterback the defense has to cover the area downfield side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has pushed back with the coach during games at times and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's fun for him to coach a rookie QB that is kind of like play-dough. He can really develop him the way he wants to shape him. I think it's a special experience for him.
The head coach owns a championship and now passed a legend in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the success Denver are experiencing offensively is largely due to his guidance, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix helps shape him what he is.
There's no better a better guy in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Currently, I don't think the Broncos are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a solid position to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and that's precisely what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
The Jets have surrendered 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the league started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are the first team to be without any turnovers through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends on what version of the Chiefs they face since the Broncos {beat|def
