Unlike Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams, there’s not a lot of hype directed at Bo Nix’s way during the past few months. That’s changing now, as evidenced by a positive review from ESPN on the Denver Bronco’s quarterback after an impressive preseason campaign.
Nix continued to impress in the preseason, delivering another standout performance in a 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers. He completed 8 of 9 passes for 80 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown to Tim Patrick, and posted a 140.7 quarterback rating.
Head coach Sean Payton praised Nix’s comfort level and poise, noting his ability to distribute the ball effectively and understand various coverage concepts. The rookie showcased his mobility and accuracy, including a highlight-reel play where he scrambled, broke to the outside, and delivered an off-balance touchdown pass that was ultimately ruled incomplete.
Over two preseason games, Nix has led the Broncos on six scoring drives, completing 23 of 33 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns without any interceptions. He has also added 29 rushing yards on six carries.
Nix’s work during the preseason hasn’t gone unnoticed at all. In an NFL analysis by Jeff Legwold for ESPN, the Broncos rookie is starting to gain some steam for his first year in the league.
“There will be plenty of surprised people in and around the Broncos if coach Sean Payton doesn’t officially name rookie Bo Nix the team’s starting quarterback in the days to come. Nix likely finished his preseason work Sunday night in the Broncos’ victory over the Green Bay Packers since most of the team’s starters are not expected to play much, if at all, in the preseason finale.
Nix was 8-of-9 for 80 yards and a touchdown in his two drives Sunday night. That means in two preseason appearances, Nix led six scoring drives in the seven possessions he played, and the Broncos had multiple first downs in each of those scoring drives with no three-and-outs in any of the seven possessions. Nix essentially worked with the starters in practice last week as if Payton had already made the announcement, including Friday’s joint practice with the Packers,” Legwold wrote.
His impressive performances have fueled calls for him to earn the starting job over veteran Jarrett Stidham, who struggled to maintain the offensive momentum in the second quarter. Payton emphasized that he has not yet named a starting quarterback for the regular season, but Nix’s preseason success has made a strong case for him to be the Broncos’ Week 1 starter.
It remains to be seen whether Nix can get the starting gig or play as a reserve when the new season starts In any case, it’s only a matter of time before he gets better enough for the Broncos to notice.
