Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to the postseason for the first time since Peyton Manning was under center for the team in the 2024 campaign. And while he wasn't thrilled with the way his season came to an end, it's clear the Broncos' franchise legend is encouraged with what he saw from the rookie quarterback.
Denver got smacked in their 31-7 playoff loss against the Buffalo Bills, a rough result after their surprise run to the playoffs. While silver linings were abundant throughout the Broncos 2024 season, Nix didn't want to hear about that after their campaign came to a close.
"I don't want to ever just be comfortable, satisfied and happy with something that looks good on the outside," Nix said after Denver's playoff loss to Buffalo. "You play this game to win, and everybody is working for a Super Bowl, and we owe that to ourselves because of the time we put into it."
Despite the loss, things are pointing up in Denver after Nix's strong first season in the pros, which saw him throw for 3,775 yards and rack up 33 total touchdowns. And you can count Manning among those who were thrilled with what they saw from the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
"Bo played great," Manning said at the AFC's Pro Bowl Games practice on Saturday. "He and Sean (Payton), Sean being the play caller, good continuity, same system all year. Some of these rookie quarterbacks had two different play callers in their first year, so Bo benefited from a good system with Sean. Good rapport with his receivers, and played at a real high level."
Asked Peyton Manning about Bo Nix's rookie season: "Bo played great," adding that Nix benefitted from continuity with Sean Payton's scheme. "Same system all year," Manning said. "Some of these rookie quarterbacks ... had two different play-callers in the first year. So, Bo… pic.twitter.com/MXPFeCF3BV
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) February 1, 2025
Having the backing of Manning, who led the Broncos to their most recent championship in Super Bowl 50, is a big boost for Nix. He will be looking to take another step forward when Denver returns to action in 2025.
