Ex Buffalo Bills assistant coach an analyst serves as an NFL pundit and represents Great Britain's national squad.
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Live coverage features text commentary of Sunday's games on various channels, starting with the Broncos-Jets clash in London (kicking off at 2 PM BST). Also, audio coverage can be heard on designated networks for another key matchup (beginning at 9 PM BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season and after last week's talk about two top teams being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the amount of penalties both conceded. Philadelphia did so in key moments meaning they essentially beat themselves after leading by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against Denver, who play in London this Sunday.
However it was good to observe that Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to have that deficit and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions during the final period, securing the victory by four points.
Denver have the defensive player of the year in CB Pat Surtain II. They rank first in goal-line defense, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, yet Denver won that contest.
They had the Eagles' number regarding disguised blitzes. They weren't always rushing extra pass rushers but they could plug two linebackers in the 'A' gap then drop them out and send a nickel from the outside.
Early on of the season, we said on a program how Denver could be the current year's surprise contenders. They finished the previous year well then did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this season's dark horses?
New TE Evan Engram has stepped up significantly and new running back JK Dobbins is a player they believe in. He now ranks 5th league-wide for rushing yards (402) and tied-fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that head coach the Broncos' leader has "RUN IT!" at the top of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates that the Broncos are a team that wants to prioritize the run, since you can do a lot off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes while keeps you in favourable down and distances.
It's also benefited quarterback the young passer, who came into the league as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – just behind a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs have the arm strength to pass anywhere, but they lack the mobility that Nix has. He boasts exceptional passing ability, a unique trait, and he is highly agile.
His strengths are his movement, being able to pass on the run, and finding different arm angles to deliver the pass as he moves out of the pocket, the bootlegs. He can deliver precision throws across the middle and past defenders.
As a rookie QB, at 25, he displays great poise under pressure and is not bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade a sack whenever possible and is able throw in tight spots. He possesses sharp intelligence and remains very decisive.
If you consistently run the ball it consumes time and forces the defence to be in play extended periods, and when you have a mobile QB the defense must cover the field downfield side to side. It can be draining.
The quarterback has bitten back with the coach during games sometimes and I think the coach appreciates that fire, that he's a fierce rival. In my view it's exciting for him to have a young quarterback that is similar to play-dough. The coach can truly develop him how he desires to build it. I believe it's a unique opportunity for the coach.
Payton owns a Super Bowl and now passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173 - tied 14th overall). He has witnessed it all. I think the success the Broncos are experiencing offensively is largely due to his leadership, his play-calling, his situational awareness – and the combination with the QB aids make him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a better guy in your ear, to assist you during difficult moments and boost confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. But is the team good enough to go against a top squad at its best? Because that was not a Super Bowl performance from Philadelphia in their last game.
Right now, it's unlikely Denver are elite. They're performing above average, which is a solid position to hold the AFC West. All they need to do is maintain this trajectory.
They're really good at leaning into their strength, that is running the ball, and that's exactly what they must do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It's going to be a Dobbins-focused game, in essence.
The Jets have allowed 140 yards on the ground each contest (sixth worst), five ground scores so far (in the bottom ten), and they're the sole squad without a win any game.
Since the NFL started recording takeaways in 1933, the Jets are also the first team to be without a single takeaway through five games, this is surprising when you think that their new coach Aaron Glenn defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
Patrick Mahomes says the Chiefs have 'already lost too many games' after a recent loss by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate up to their break (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, the Texans and Las Vegas Raiders prior to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, the Chiefs hold a losing record and the Broncos are tied with the Chargers on 3-2 so they could challenge at leading the division.
This hinges upon which form Kansas City shows up they face because Denver {beat|def
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