If you’re a Denver Broncos fan, the excitement surrounding Bo Nix these days is almost palpable. Taken with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Oregon Ducks quarterback is making waves with his performance in the preseason, and it’s hard to ignore the buzz about whether he’s secured the starting quarterback role.
At the center of this anticipation is the Broncos’ recent preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. As Nix stepped onto Empower Field at Mile High, he delivered a near-perfect 8-for-9 for 80 yards, including a touchdown that left fans in awe. His pass to wide receiver Tim Patrick—executed with precision under pressure from Green Bay’s defensive stalwart Kingsley Enagbare—showcased his composure and skill, earning him a 140.7 passer rating.
Nix’s ability to move the Denver offense down the field efficiently has caught the eye of many, including the Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton. With Payton’s offensive acumen, Nix has been soaking up invaluable knowledge, making every second count in his quest for the starting spot. Yet, despite these stellar performances, Payton remains cautious about rushing a decision. “He’s played well. I’m not announcing any starting quarterback tonight,” Payton commented, carefully weighing his options.
As impressive as Nix’s stats are—23-for-30 for 205 yards, two touchdowns, with a passer rating of 121.5—they aren’t the only element of interest in this quarterback competition. Denver’s quarterback room, featuring Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, is also worth watching. Stidham’s 7-for-11 performance with 65 yards and Wilson’s brief yet impactful appearance add layers to the competition, although both seem to be vying more for the backup position as it stands.
Reflecting on his journey so far, Nix’s zero turnovers indicate his ability to protect the ball amidst the pressures of high-stakes games. His adaptability and quarterback intelligence contribute significantly to driving Denver to score on six of his seven possessions in the preseason.
As speculation continues, it’s crucial to note the implications of Nix’s potential starting role. A Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field would demand every ounce of his preparation, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in his professional career. Meanwhile, Stidham and Wilson are keenly aware their performances against the Arizona Cardinals in the upcoming preseason game could determine their future standing on the roster.
In the grand scheme of things, whether Bo Nix officially claims the starting role this season or not, his budding NFL career already indicates a promising horizon for the Denver Broncos.