How the Broncos together with their malleable quarterback could halt the Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and plays for Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes live text for Sunday's games via various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and after last week's discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their perfect starts.
Notable during those contests was the amount of infractions both committed. The Eagles did so in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 going into the fourth period against Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.
However it was positive to observe how Denver's QB the rookie managed to have the shortfall and then direct three successful possessions in three attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the victory by four points.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year in CB their star corner. They are number one in goal-line defense, whereas the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and Denver won that battle.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers instead they could plug two linebackers in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program that the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They ended last season well then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's dark horses?
New tight end their tight end has stepped up significantly while recent running back their rusher is a guy the team trusts. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
I love how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows how Denver are a squad aiming to run first, because one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in favourable situations.
This has helped QB the young passer, who entered into the league as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess powerful arms to pass all over, but they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, plus he is highly agile.
His assets are his movement, being able to throw on the run, as well as finding varied release points to make throws when he rolls out of the pocket, on rollouts. He can throw that layered pass over the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses a high football IQ and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and forces the opponent to stay on the field extended periods, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defense has to defend the field vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's fun for him to have a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up how he desires to build it. I believe it's a special experience for him.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and has surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his leadership, his schemes, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet is the team good enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're working above average, that's a good place to hold their division. All they need is to continue this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their strength, that is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do versus the New York Jets in London. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, this is kind of shocking considering that their new coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver have a smooth-ish schedule until their break (in week twelve) - the New York Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the West.
It depends on which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
