Even though Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton remains uncertain about who he will hand the starting quarterback job to, rookie Bo Nix certainly earned brownie points because of his stellar performance in the pre-season debut win against the Indianapolis Colts. Nix was the second favorite for the Broncos QB role behind Jarrett Stidham, but after Sunday’s performance, he certainly boosted his chances.
Before the game, Nix stated that he would do his best to make good use of his opportunity and showcase his skill set, which he did. Following a couple of field goals from both sides in the first quarter and a half, Nix threw a 1-yard pass to second-year receiver Marvin Mims Jr. in the second.
The 24-year-old’s dominance continued in the 3rd quarter with successful layoffs to Audric Estime for 2 yards, Tyler Badie for 11 yards, and Blake Watson for 6 yards rushing touchdowns to make it hard for the Colts to gain on them.
Bo Nix finished the game with 15 from 21, 125 passing yards, and 1 touchdown pass, creating 3 rushing TDs. He also ran 3 times with the ball for 17 yards.
Fans left impressed by Bo Nix’s debut with the Denver Broncos
After veteran Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson departed, the Broncos desperately required a quarterback. Payton kept hold of Stidham and searched for a fresh face, someone similar to Drew Brees . Before the NFL Combine, he saw the Brees-esque skill set of Nix and zeroed in on him.
They drafted the former Auburn and Oregon starter as 12th overall and later traded Zach Wilson from the New York Jets for extra competition. All three of the quarterbacks staked their claim for the #1 quarterback job, but after the Colts game, Nix definitely became the favorite in the fans’ eyes.
Stidham began the game while Wilson finished it. Between the two, the fourth-year veteran performed better; some would argue Wilson was more efficient in his passing than Nix as well. The BYU graduate completed 10 passes from 13 for 117 yards with a rating of 103.7, while Stidham only found his teammates 4 times from 7 attempts for 37 yards before Nix took over.
After the game, Payton spoke with the media, and his words suggested that his quarterbacks did not disappoint him.
All three of those guys I thought did a good job. Sean Payton said per NBC Sports
When asked about Nix in particular, Payton pointed out the rookie quarterback’s great of his feet.
It was great to see in the game setting. We’ve seen it in practice, so it wasn’t alarming or surprising. Sean Payton said
Payton also added that Stidham will see extended game time during the Broncos’ second pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers at home.
