Bo Nix rewrote the Denver Broncos’ record books as a rookie, and he is primed to take another significant step forward thanks not only to the moves the franchise made this offseason but also because of his own improvements.
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Broncos head coach Sean Payton detailed some critical areas in which the 2024 No. 12 overall pick has progressed.
His answer bodes well for the team.
“Less pause, less hesitation with the play call, in the huddle. Less pause, less hesitation in the pocket. He’s playing fast and, again, protecting the ball,” Payton told reporters on June 12. “He’s hard to sack. He was hard to sack in college. So, you’re seeing him play faster [and] with more confidence.”
Nix expressed similar sentiments, coming off a rookie season in which he completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
“I feel like I’m a lot further out. Just spitting out play calls a lot easier, just processing, being around VJ [Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph] for a year, understanding the defense that I’m going to get. So, it’s a lot better. It’s a lot more enjoyable not thinking right now as opposed to what I was doing last year,” Nix told reporters in May.
“It’s fun. It’s fun to be in the know, it’s fun to have a little bit more of an understanding of what’s going on, so i can kind of be a little bit more beneficial to others and kind of help them out along the way. But I feel good. We’re in a good spot.”
Sean Payton Compares Bo Nix to Drew Brees
Nix has drawn praise for his efforts in recruiting and welcoming the Broncos’ new players, many of whom have openly cited him as one of the attractive points about the organization.
Payton downplayed the uniqueness, though he also mentioned another legendary QB.
“I think most teams do it. Drew [Brees] would have them come to San Diego,” Payton said. “I think it’s just spending time together, and I don’t think it’s unusual. And so, yeah. That’s their time, and it’s not our time to report on it either.”
Nix compared favorably to Brees, the former San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints QB who played for Payton during his time with the latter franchise, before the draft.
Nix’s approach may not be unique, but it remains another connection between him and Brees.
To help him, the Broncos upgraded the skill players around Nix, adding tight end Evan Engram and running back J.K. Dobbins in free agency, with Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga joining them. They also drafted RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant on offense and Jahdae Barron on defense.
Former Coach Praises Broncos QB Bo Nix
Nix’s acts of leadership, backed by his performance on the field, drew the praise of Chad Morris, his former offensive coordinator at Auburn, where Nix spent three seasons before transferring to Oregon in 2022.
“Your passion and determination inspire so many,” Morris posted on Instagram on June 11. “It[’s] so impressive to watch you lead. Can’t wait to see what year 2 will bring.
Nix and Morris arrived in Auburn in 2019.
They spent two seasons together. The now-Broncos QB, Nix, completed 58.7% of his passes for 4,957 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions during their time together.
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