Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has quickly emerged as a standout performer in his rookie season, sparking widespread discussion about his candidacy for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Nix’s latest performance – a four-touchdown masterpiece in a decisive win against the Atlanta Falcons – has only strengthened his case.
While many within the organization support Nix’s inclusion in the Rookie of the Year conversation, some believe his impact might warrant even greater recognition.
Star cornerback Patrick Surtain II did not hold back in his praise, telling reporters: “He’s him … I told him, ‘Man, you trying to win MVP.’ It’s not even looking like Offensive Rookie of the Year. It’s looking like MVP right now.”
Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. echoed similar sentiments, praising Nix’s leadership and versatility on the field.
“He’s been on fire all year. He’s been doing really well, especially his confidence and the way he carries himself in the locker room,” Mims said.
“With his elusiveness and being able to extend plays, he doesn’t quit on any plays. He’s Bo Nix. He wants to make the most of every play so it’s a lot of fun playing with him.”
Nix has been a driving force behind a revitalized Broncos offense.
Hampered by inconsistency and a lack of identity in recent years, Denver has found a spark in their young quarterback and you can bet head coach Sean Payton is loving every second of life with Bo.
Since Week 4, Nix has posted very impressive numbers: a 66% completion rate, 1,675 passing yards, 188 rushing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, two rushing scores, and only two interceptions.
Appearing on 104.3 The Fan, Payton did make sure to pump the brakes just a tad.
“Let’s not send this kid to Canton quite yet, please. All right?,” Payton said. “We’re sitting here, middle of the season. He’s playing well. I’m excited. The film showed he’s playing well. The film showed a few things, though, that I wanted to scream at him about.”
Payton’s balanced approach reflects his long-term focus on Nix’s development, emphasizing steady progress rather than quick accolades.
“I think repetition is where it begins,” Payton continued. “The more and more you rep a certain play or a certain scheme, the more and more you get comfortable with it. You kind of know where all the answers are relative to.
“Bo said something that was real sharp yesterday. We send in a play for a certain defense, and you get another defense. The better plays have an answer versus more of the defenses. As he gets comfortable with where those answers are, then you can expand on it.
“The same thing the other way around. In other words, there’s certain plays we’re going to have up each week that we’re going to window dress. I just think it’s a gradual [process]. I can’t look at one game and say, ‘That was the game.’ It’s a gradual process of confidence both in what he’s comfortable with and then confidence in what the others around him can do with it.
“It’s kind of something that is ongoing. Honestly, I don’t think that ever really – there’s no conclusion to it. You’re always tinkering. You’re always looking for new ways to get a third-down conversion, but I’ve been real impressed with the speed at which he’s been able to adapt to this league.”
Nix’s performance against Atlanta – completing 28 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions – is just the latest in a string of standout games.
“I think it’s pretty powerful and he’s why – just having experienced it for a long stretch with another player in [Drew] Brees – you always believe you’re in each game,” Payton said of the confidence the team has with Nix under center.
“You always believe – even if you fall behind – you’re in each game. The opposite can be very difficult. I think that player who’s touching the ball on every offensive play, it definitely can lead to a direction – both mentally as well as on the field – lead to a direction [of] how a team thinks.”
Nix’s rapid development under Payton’s guidance has Denver fans excited for the future.
No one will ever deny that Payton is an elite head coach. Having said that, no team can take advantage of his genius unless they have a quarterback who is smart enough to process and execute Payton’s directions.
It’s looking more and more like Nix can indeed be that guy. (Drew Brees 2.0, anyone?)
What are your thoughts on all of the Bo hype?
With Caleb Williams having a rough rookie season, do you think Nix will end up being the best quarterback to come from the 2024 draft class???
