Bo Nix’s rookie season was better than the peak of many NFL quarterbacks. However, that doesn’t stop expectations in their tracks.
The 2024 season was a year to remember for Bo Nix. It began with the conclusion of his college career and the beginning of his time in the NFL.
Early on, he had few on his side as a member of the Denver Broncos. Sean Payton had just ended the Russell Wilson experiment, and Nix’s place as the last first-round quarterback wasn’t the biggest vote of confidence.
However, despite that, Nix was a OROY finalist and took his team to the playoffs. Denver had not been to the January dance since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015-16 season until Nix arrived.
Now, with a new rookie and Broncos free agency class essentially finalized for Sean Payton’s team, the attention turns to Nix to make lemonade.
Bo Nix has turned heads in the NFL in his first year, will he do so in his second year?
There’s pressure on Sean Payton, too
While the pressure is placed largely on Bo Nix in 2025 to prove his run in 2024 wasn’t a fluke, there’s also pressure on Sean Payton.
If the offense looks sluggish and lacks creativity, the haul of offensive weapons like Evan Engram puts Payton in the spotlight as well.
Of course, Nix likely would disproportionately be hit harder, but as a coach with a suddenly enviable roster, this isn’t exactly a team looking for their first big break.
The expectations are higher in 2025, and the incoming talent has created them. Will both Nix and Payton rise to the challenge?
