Rookie Bo Nix has proved he should be Broncos starting QB
from Clark Dalton, at YardBarker.com/www.yardbarker.com
Although Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton hasn’t announced a starting quarterback, rookie Bo Nix has proved he could become the face of the franchise.
Nix — the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — impressed during his first preseason start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. He completed 8-of-9 passes for 80 yards and one touchdown in a 27-2 victory.
Through two preseason games, Nix has looked like a veteran QB, completing 23-of-30 passes for 205 yards and two TDs. He’s posted an excellent 121.5 passer rating, too. So, why hasn’t Payton named him the starter?
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Bo Nix’s preseason so far:
23/30
205 Passing Yards
2 Passing TD (1 TD nullified via penalty)
121.5 Passer Rating
Per longtime NFL reporter James Palmer, Payton doesn’t want Nix to develop a sense of entitlement, which explains why he hasn’t given him the job.
Still, the HC loves the rookie QB. On a recent episode of The Athletic’s “Scoop City” podcast, Payton revealed he told Broncos general manager George Paton, “This is the guy” during Nix’s draft workout. Nix’s teammates are also starting to think he may be the guy.
“I just see it day in and day out. He’s just growing his confidence,” cornerback Patrick Surtain II said Sunday, via Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. “When you see a younger guy like that take control of the offense, you know the expectation is going to keep on going further and further.”
In her Monday newsletter, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported she expects Payton to name Nix the starter in the “next few days.” Rewarding him with the job seems the right choice, as he has flashed more upside than fellow QBs Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.
The 24-year-old could ease the Broncos’ rebuild. As of Monday, FanDuel gives him the fourth-best Offensive Rookie of the Year odds (+1300).