Ways the Broncos and their 'play-dough' quarterback can halt the Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.
Former NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter serves as an NFL pundit and represents Great Britain's national squad.
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NFL 2025 season: Week six
Real-time updates includes text commentary of the weekend matchups via multiple platforms, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (from 14:00 BST). Also, radio commentary can be heard on designated networks for a separate game (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the football calendar and following recent discussion about the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, each surrendered their unbeaten records.
Notable during those contests was the amount of infractions each committed. The Eagles committed them in key moments so they kind of defeated themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the final quarter against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
But it was positive to observe how Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall before lead three scoring drives in three attempts in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.
Denver boast the top defender in cornerback Pat Surtain II. They rank first in red zone defence, while Philadelphia are number one in scoring near the end zone, yet the Broncos won that contest.
They had effective strategies in terms of simulated pressure. They weren't necessarily rushing more than four pass rushers instead they might position two LBs in the interior then withdrawing them and send a nickel from the outside.
Early on in the campaign, we said on a program that the Broncos could be this season's dark horses. They ended the previous year well and excelled in continuing that momentum.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New tight end Evan Engram has excelled significantly while new running back JK Dobbins is a guy they believe in. He now ranks 5th league-wide in ground gains (over 400) as well as tied-fourth in rushing scores (four).
I love how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUSH!" prominently on his call sheet.
That shows that the Broncos represent a squad that wants to run first, because one can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and keeps you in positive down and distances.
It's also helped QB Bo Nix, who came the NFL as the 12th overall draft pick last year, throwing 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to throw anywhere, but they don't move the mobility that Nix has. He boasts incredible passing ability, which is different, and he's highly agile.
His assets are his mobility, being able to pass on the run, as well as using different arm angles to deliver throws as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can throw precision throws over the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he's got great composure under pressure and is not really fazed by the blitz. He aims to avoid being tackled whenever possible and is able throw under pressure. He has a high football IQ and remains very decisive.
When you constantly rush it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to be in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defence must cover the area vertically side to side. This proves exhausting.
The quarterback has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and it seems the coach appreciates that attitude, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to coach a rookie QB who's kind of like moldable clay. He can really build something up the way he desires to shape him. I think it's a special experience for the coach.
Payton has won a championship and now surpassed a legend for career NFL wins (173 - tied 14th overall). He's seen everything. In my opinion the achievements Denver are having on offence is largely down to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the combination with the QB helps shape him into who he is.
There's no better a more qualified person in your ear, to assist you during some of the tougher situations and boost self-belief.
I have faith in Denver's defence, in Bo Nix's tenacity and composure. Yet are they good enough to go against a top squad at full strength? Since that wasn't a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia last Sunday.
Right now, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing above average, that's a good place to be in the AFC West. The key is to continue this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their strength, which is the ground game, and that's exactly what they should do against the Jets in London. It will likely be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five rushing touchdowns this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Ever since the NFL started recording takeaways decades ago, this team are the first team to go without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising when you think that the head coach Aaron Glenn a defensive coach at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs are off to a poor start following Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following this Sunday's game, the Broncos have a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, the Cowboys, the Texans and the Raiders prior to the Chiefs.
In their division, Kansas City are 2-3 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 because the Broncos {beat|def
