How the Denver Broncos and their 'play-dough' QB can halt the Chiefs' dominance.
Former Buffalo Bills coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and plays for Great Britain's national squad.
- Posted
- 6 Comments
NFL 2025 season: Week six
Live coverage features live text of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash at Tottenham (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Additionally, audio coverage can be heard through designated networks covering another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
It's week six of the NFL season and following recent discussion regarding two top teams being possible championship contenders, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests was the amount of infractions each conceded. Philadelphia committed them in key moments meaning they kind of defeated themselves having led 17-3 entering the final quarter versus the Denver Broncos, set to play overseas this Sunday.
However it proved good to observe that Denver quarterback Bo Nix managed to have that deficit before lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, to win the game 21-17.
The Broncos have the defensive player of the year with CB Pat Surtain II. They are number one in red zone defence, whereas the Eagles are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet Denver won that battle.
They executed effective strategies regarding simulated pressure. They weren't always rushing more than four defenders instead they could position two linebackers in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and send a slot defender from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program that the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended the previous year well then excelled of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has stepped up big and new RB JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth in the NFL for rushing yards (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
I love that the coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how the Broncos are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces down the pass rush while keeps you in favourable situations.
It's also benefited QB the young passer, who entered the NFL as a first-round selection last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to throw all over, however they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He boasts incredible arm talent, a unique trait, plus he is so athletic.
His assets are his mobility, the capacity to pass while moving, and using different arm angles to deliver the pass 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 displays great composure under pressure and isn't really fazed by extra rushers. He aims to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains quick to decide.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and makes the opponent to stay in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the field vertically side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and it seems Payton appreciates that fire, seeing him as a fierce rival. In my view it's fun for him to have a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. He can truly develop him the way he desires to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton owns a championship and has surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen it all. In my opinion the success the Broncos are having offensively is mostly due to his guidance, his schemes, his game sense – and the combination with Nix aids shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you through difficult moments and build confidence.
I believe in the Broncos' defense, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they strong enough to go against a top squad at its best? Because that was not championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Currently, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working better than most, which is a good place to be in the AFC West. The key is is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their forte, which is the ground game, and this is precisely what they should do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, essentially.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (among the worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the only team without a win any game.
Since the league began tracking turnovers decades ago, this team are also the first team to go without a single takeaway through five games, which is kind of shocking when you think that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says the Chiefs are off to a poor start after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, the Broncos face a manageable slate up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, Houston Texans and the Raiders before the Chiefs.
In their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers on 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
This hinges on what version Kansas City shows up they meet because Denver {beat|def
