Ways the Broncos and the 'play-dough' quarterback can halt that Kansas City Chiefs' dominance.

NFL pundit and flag football player

Ex NFL team coach Phoebe Schecter is a football expert who also plays for the UK's national squad.

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NFL 2025 season: Week six

Real-time updates includes live text of Sunday's games on multiple platforms, beginning with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, radio commentary is available through select stations covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).

We're in the sixth week in the football calendar , after recent discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles as a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both surrendered their unbeaten records.

Striking during those contests was the number of penalties each committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they kind of defeated themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, set to play overseas this Sunday.

However it was good to observe that Denver quarterback Bo Nix was able to have the shortfall and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, to win the game 21-17.

The Broncos have the defensive player of the year in cornerback their star corner. They rank first in red zone defence, while the Eagles are number one in red zone offence, and the Broncos prevailed in that battle.

They executed the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing extra pass rushers but they might position two LBs in the interior before drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.

At the start of the season, we said during a show how the Broncos might emerge as the current year's dark horses. They ended the previous year well then excelled in continuing that momentum.

Are the Denver Broncos this season's underdog story?

Recently acquired tight end Evan Engram has stepped up big while recent running back JK Dobbins is a guy the team trusts. He's currently fifth league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns (4).

I love how head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" at the top on his call sheet.

This demonstrates how Denver are a squad that wants to run first, since one can do a lot off the back of that. It reduces opposing rushes and maintains in positive situations.

It's also benefited quarterback Bo Nix, who came into the league as a first-round selection last year, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to Justin Herbert in rookie records (31 in 2020).

Josh Allen and Herbert have the arm strength to pass all over, but they lack in the same way as Nix. He has incredible passing ability, which is different, and he is highly agile.

His strengths are his movement, being able to throw while moving, as well as finding different arm angles to make throws when he rolls outside protection, on rollouts. He can deliver that layered pass across the middle and past defenders.

As a rookie QB, aged 25, he's got a lot of poise in the pocket and is not bothered by the blitz. He aims to avoid a sack as much as possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and is quick to decide.

If you consistently rush it eats up the clock and forces the defence to stay in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the area vertically and horizontally. It can be exhausting.

The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and it seems Payton likes that fire, seeing him as such a competitor. I think it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback that is kind of like play-dough. He can truly develop him how he wants to build it. I believe it's a special experience for the coach.

The head coach has won a championship and now surpassed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. In my opinion the achievements Denver are experiencing offensively is mostly due to his leadership, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with the QB helps make him into who he is.

You wouldn't want a more qualified person in your ear, to help you during some of the tougher situations and boost confidence.

I have faith in the Broncos' defense, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team strong enough to go against an elite team at full strength? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.

Right now, it's unlikely Denver are incredible. They're working above average, which is a solid position to hold the AFC West. The key is to continue this path.

They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is the ground game, and this is exactly what they must do against the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, essentially.

The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (sixth worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they are the only team without a win a game.

Ever since the league began tracking turnovers decades ago, this team are the inaugural squad to go without any turnovers in five outings, this is kind of shocking when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.

The Chiefs' QB stated Kansas City are off to a poor start after a recent loss by the Jaguars.

After the upcoming matchup, Denver have a manageable slate up to their break (in week 12) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans plus Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.

In their division, the Chiefs are 2-3 and the Broncos are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 meaning they could challenge for the top of the West.

It depends on what version Kansas City shows up they face since Denver {beat|def

Michele Vaughan
Michele Vaughan

A passionate gaming enthusiast and writer, sharing insights on casino strategies and industry trends.