How the Broncos together with their flexible quarterback can halt the Chiefs' reign.
Former NFL team coach an analyst is an NFL pundit and plays for the UK's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage includes text commentary of Sunday's games on multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets at Tottenham (from 14:00 BST). Also, audio coverage is available on select stations covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
It's week six in the football calendar and after recent discussion regarding two top teams as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests were the amount of infractions each committed. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times so they essentially defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter against Denver, who play overseas this weekend.
However it proved positive to see that Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome the shortfall before direct three scoring drives in three attempts during the final period, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.
They had effective strategies regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing extra defenders but they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
At the start of the season, we said on a program how Denver might emerge as this season's dark horses. They ended last season strongly and excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big and new running back their rusher is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th in the NFL for rushing yards (402) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).
I love that head coach Sean Payton has "RUSH!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows that the Broncos represent a team aiming to run first, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in positive situations.
This has helped quarterback the young passer, who came into the league as the 12th overall draft pick in the prior draft, throwing 29 TDs – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert have powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He has exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he's highly agile.
His strengths are his mobility, the capacity to pass while moving, as well as using varied release points to make the pass when he rolls out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He is able to deliver precision throws across the middle or past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great poise under pressure and isn't bothered by the blitz. He tries to avoid a sack whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
If you constantly rush it consumes time and makes the opponent to be in play extended periods, and if you have an athletic quarterback the defence has to defend the area vertically and horizontally. This proves draining.
The quarterback has pushed back at Payton on the sideline sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that fire, that he's such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to coach a young quarterback who's kind of like moldable clay. The coach can truly build something up the way he wants to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton has won a Super Bowl and now surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the success Denver are having offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB helps shape him what he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they strong enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, that's a good place to hold the AFC West. The key is is maintain this path.
They're really good at embracing their forte, which is the ground game, and this is exactly what they should do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have surrendered 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team without a win a game.
Since the league began tracking turnovers decades ago, this team are also the first team to go 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 the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
After the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a manageable slate until their bye (in week 12) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, Kansas City are 2-3 and the Broncos are even with the Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run at leading the West.
It depends upon which form of the Chiefs they meet because Denver {beat|def
