How the Denver Broncos and their flexible QB could halt that Kansas City Chiefs' rule.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter is an NFL pundit who also 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 of the NFL season , following last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as possible championship contenders, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable in those games were the number of infractions each committed. Philadelphia committed them at crucial times meaning they essentially beat themselves having led 17-3 entering the fourth period against Denver, set to play in London this Sunday.
But it proved good to see how Denver quarterback the rookie was able to have the shortfall before lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory 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 Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They did not always rushing extra defenders instead they might position two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a slot defender off the edge.
Early on in the campaign, it was noted on a program how Denver could be this season's surprise contenders. They finished last season strongly then excelled in continuing that momentum.
Are the Denver Broncos this year's underdog story?
Recently acquired TE their tight end has excelled significantly and new RB JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He's currently fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) and tied for fourth for rushing touchdowns (four).
It's impressive how head coach the Broncos' leader displays "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
That shows how Denver represent a squad that wants to run first, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It reduces opposing rushes and maintains in favourable down and distances.
This has benefited quarterback the young passer, who entered into the league as the 12th overall draft pick last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, however they lack in the same way as Nix. He has exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, and he is so athletic.
His strengths include his mobility, being able to throw on the run, and using varied release points to make the pass as he moves outside protection, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays a lot of composure under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He aims to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and is very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it consumes time and forces the opponent to stay in play extended periods, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense has to cover the field downfield and horizontally. This proves draining.
Nix has pushed back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and I think Payton appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. He can truly build something up the way he wants to build it. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
The head coach owns a championship and has surpassed Bill Parcells for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the achievements the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with Nix aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Because that wasn't championship-level play from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, I don't think Denver are elite. They're performing above average, which is a solid position to be in their division. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their forte, which is running the ball, and that's exactly what they should do versus the Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (10th worst), and they are the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the NFL began tracking turnovers in 1933, this team are also the first team to be without a single takeaway in five outings, which is surprising when you think that their new coach was previously a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate up to their break (in week 12) - the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could make a run for the top of the West.
It depends on which form of the Chiefs they meet because Denver {beat|def
