How the Denver Broncos and the flexible quarterback can stop the Chiefs' reign.
Former Buffalo Bills 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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It's week six in the NFL season , following recent discussion about two top teams being possible championship contenders, each lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties each committed. Philadelphia did so in key moments so they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns going into the fourth period versus the Denver Broncos, who play in London this Sunday.
However it proved positive to see how Denver quarterback the rookie managed to overcome the shortfall before direct three successful possessions in three attempts during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
Denver have the top defender in cornerback their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, while the Eagles lead the league in scoring near the end zone, and Denver prevailed in that battle.
They executed effective strategies in terms of disguised blitzes. They weren't always sending more than four pass rushers but they could plug two LBs in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and send a slot defender from the outside.
At the start in the campaign, we said on a program that the Broncos could be this season's surprise contenders. They ended last season strongly and did a good job in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this season's underdog story?
New TE their tight end has stepped up significantly while recent RB JK Dobbins is a player the team trusts. He now ranks 5th in the NFL in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that the coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how the Broncos represent a team aiming to run first, because you can do a lot based on that approach. It slows down the pass rush while keeps you in positive situations.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who entered the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB for the rookie record (31 back in 2020).
Josh Allen and Herbert possess powerful arms to pass all over, but they lack the mobility as Nix. He has incredible arm talent, which is different, plus he is so athletic.
His assets include his movement, being able to throw on the run, as well as finding different arm angles to make the pass when he rolls outside protection, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws across the middle or over the corner.
As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got a lot of composure in the pocket and is not really fazed by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack as much as possible and can throw under pressure. He possesses sharp intelligence and is very decisive.
When you consistently run the ball it eats up time and forces the defence to stay in play for longer, and if you've got a mobile QB the defense has to cover the area vertically side to side. This proves draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach on the sideline sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's such a competitor. I think it's fun for him to coach a young quarterback who's similar to play-dough. The coach can really develop him the way he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
The head coach has won a championship and now surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He has witnessed everything. I think the success the Broncos are having offensively is largely down to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB aids shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you through difficult moments and boost confidence.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But are they good enough to face a top squad at its best? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are incredible. They're working above average, that's a solid position to hold their division. The key to do to continue this trajectory.
They excel at embracing their strength, which is running the ball, and this is precisely what they must do against the New York Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have surrendered 140 rushing yards each contest (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad without a win a game.
Ever since the NFL started recording turnovers decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad 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 stated Kansas City have 'already lost too many games' after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos face a smooth-ish schedule until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans plus the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
Looking at the AFC West, the Chiefs hold a losing record 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 upon which form of the Chiefs they face because Denver {beat|def
