Ways these Denver Broncos together with their flexible quarterback could halt that Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit and represents the UK's flag football team.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
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We're in the sixth week in the NFL season and after last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, they both lost their perfect starts.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties both committed. Philadelphia did so at crucial times meaning they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to overcome the shortfall and then lead three successful possessions on three possessions during the final period, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender with CB Pat Surtain II. They are first in goal-line defense, while Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver prevailed in that contest.
They had effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They did not always sending extra pass rushers instead they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender from the outside.
Early on of the season, it was noted on a program how the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended last season strongly then did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New TE Evan Engram has excelled big and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that the coach Sean Payton displays "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a team that wants to run first, because one can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 TDs – second only to a star QB for the rookie record (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to pass all over, however they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets include his mobility, the capacity to pass while moving, and finding varied release points to deliver throws as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
For a young quarterback, at 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled as much as possible and is able pass in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
If you constantly rush it consumes the clock and makes the defence to stay in play for longer, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence must cover the area downfield and horizontally. It can be draining.
Nix has pushed back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems Payton likes that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for the coach to coach a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. The coach can truly build something up the way he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach owns a Super Bowl and now passed a legend for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. I think the success the Broncos are having on offence is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB aids shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and boost self-belief.
I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they strong enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles in their last game.
Right now, I don't think the Broncos are elite. They're working above average, that's a solid position to hold the AFC West. All they need is to continue this path.
They excel at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and that's exactly what they must do against the Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 rushing yards per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they are the sole squad without a win any game.
Since the league began tracking takeaways in 1933, this team are also the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach with another team.
The Chiefs' QB stated the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, Denver face a manageable slate up to their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are even with the Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they meet since Denver {beat|def
