Despite Bo Nix’s notable rookie season for the Denver Broncos, skepticism about his abilities remains widespread among certain analysts and fans. Prior to the 2023 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, many doubted Nix’s potential, labeling him a “system quarterback” at Oregon with a weak arm who would struggle to transition to the NFL. These critics predicted Nix would go no higher than the second day of the draft.

When the Broncos selected Nix 12th overall, these doubts intensified, with harsh criticism aimed at head coach Sean Payton for what was seen as a reach. However, Nix’s performance challenged these opinions as he won the Broncos’ open quarterback competition, beating out two veterans to become the first rookie starting quarterback on opening day for the team since John Elway in 1983.

Bo Nix’s Statistical Impact and Team Turnaround

Nix started his debut season with some inconsistency but gained momentum in October, eventually completing the year with 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, statistics that led all rookie quarterbacks that season. Notably, he was the sixth quarterback taken in the first round, surpassing draft picks selected ahead of him. His individual success helped the Broncos recover from an 0-2 start to finish with 10 wins, ending an eight-year playoff drought.

Sean Payton celebrated these achievements openly, often contrasting Nix’s success with the doubters’ harsh forecasts. Following a recent training camp practice, Payton remained confident in his quarterback despite the ongoing criticism. Nevertheless, prominent voices like ESPN’s Bomani Jones continue to express doubt about Nix’s long-term potential.

ESPN’s Bomani Jones Critiques Nix’s Playing Style and Development

In a recent appearance on the Mina Kimes Show, Jones reiterated his reservations about Bo Nix. He stated,

“I am not a Bo Nix guy, I will not be a Bo Nix guy for a while. I think that what I have in common with the other not-Bo Nix guys is how much college football you watch,”

—Bomani Jones, ESPN Analyst. Jones echoed skepticism previously voiced by Benjamin Solak, emphasizing that Nix’s reliance on short, behind-the-line-of-scrimmage throws and heavy schematic support would eventually be a limiting factor. Jones argued that no matter how adept a coach like Sean Payton is, you can only scheme effectively around a quarterback’s weaknesses for so long.

Challenges in Denver’s Running Game Contextualize Nix’s Role

Part of the criticism aimed at Nix ignores the Broncos’ struggling running game, which hindered overall offensive balance. The team ranked 16th in rushing yards, and if Nix’s own 430 rushing yards are excluded, Denver’s ground attack was among the worst in the league. Javonte Williams offered limited progress with a short-yardage running style, while Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime provided inconsistent contributions at best.

The lackluster running game likely would have troubled many quarterbacks, but Nix managed to keep the offense productive by utilizing Sean Payton’s short passing game as a substitute for rushing attempts. This approach masked Denver’s rushing deficiencies and kept opposing defenses off-balance.

Benjamin Solak’s Evaluation of Bo Nix’s Progress and Potential

Benjamin Solak, who recently reviewed the 2024 first-round quarterbacks entering their second NFL season, provided a tempered yet cautious assessment of Nix. He wrote,

“Nix is pretty much as billed coming out of college. He’s more than capable of running an offense, but it’s still uncertain if he can really elevate one. I like the way the Broncos are bringing him along, though,”

—Benjamin Solak, NFL Analyst. Solak noted that Nix’s confidence had visibly grown throughout his rookie year and praised the Broncos for securing better receivers to open up opportunities for downfield passing.

Solak underlined that as long as Sean Payton can continue to outthink defensive schemes, Nix has a developmental path forward, but doubts linger about whether Nix can consistently lift the team beyond its current status.

Comparing Nix to Fellow Rookie Quarterbacks and Supporting Casts

Despite Nix’s success, critics remain fixated on his performance relative to other rookie quarterbacks such as Jayden Daniels, who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors largely due to a stronger supporting cast. Daniels had superior skill-position talent available, which helped elevate his game and overall offensive production.

While the Broncos possessed a solid offensive line that protected Nix well—only two NFL quarterbacks were sacked fewer times last season—Denver’s backfield struggled. To address this, the Broncos bolstered their lineup by drafting RJ Harvey, a high-impact running back at the collegiate level, and signing J.K. Dobbins, a proven rusher with an impressive career average from his time in the league.

Solak’s critique also pointed to Nix’s tendency to abandon clean pockets prematurely,

“still prone to breaking out of clean pockets to try to disrupt defensive geometry,”

—Benjamin Solak, NFL Analyst, which can expose him to unnecessary risks rather than maintaining composure in the pocket like more seasoned quarterbacks.

The Root of Ongoing Resistance to Bo Nix’s Success

Many analysts, including Jones and Solak, seem unlikely to fully embrace Nix’s abilities, not necessarily due to glaring flaws, but possibly because of an unwillingness to retract earlier public doubts. Critics who aired strong negative opinions about Nix before the draft appear to maintain a defensive posture, scrutinizing his achievements and seeking flaws to support their initial views.

Over time, it is common for such doubters to adjust their stance quietly, later presenting themselves as early believers once Nix’s career progresses further, conveniently overlooking the harsh criticism they once voiced. This phenomenon fuels ongoing debate in Denver and among NFL observers.

Further pushing against the critics‘ narrative is the fact that Nix operated with a skill-position group ranked among the weakest in the league last year by ESPN, yet still managed to produce a top-10 scoring offense. He was often accused of only completing short, horizontal passes with limited arm strength, but his production challenges those claims directly.

Implications for the Broncos and What Lies Ahead

The discussions surrounding Bo Nix highlight the complex nature of evaluating rookie quarterbacks who show promise but still have clear areas for growth. Sean Payton’s role in nurturing Nix and adapting the offense cannot be understated, particularly given the limitations in Denver’s rushing attack and skill-position personnel in 2023.

As training camp continues, Payton is likely aware of the ongoing discourse and may use it as motivation to sharpen both Nix’s development and the team’s overall performance. The Broncos have made moves to strengthen their supporting cast, which could help Nix play more confidently and effectively in future seasons. The debate over Bo Nix’s potential and the Broncos’ quarterback situation will remain a focal point for the team and fans alike as they look toward the upcoming NFL campaigns.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Does Bo Nix believe in God?

A. Nix shares that his faith is very important to him. He’s always been someone who relies on his beliefs. He trusts that God has a plan for his life.

Q. Is Bo Nix elite?

A. Among the 29 qualifying passers, Nix held the seventh spot with a 36.6% touchdown rate. This placed him ahead of top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.

Q. Why is Bo Nix not a top prospect?

A. As an experienced player with five years as a starter, Nix might not grow much more. However, his true abilities might differ from initial impressions. Oregon’s offense often gave him simple, quick plays. He may need to hold onto the ball longer to let plays develop, which could be challenging.

Q. Does Bo Nix have a kaboom?

A. Bo Nix’s 2024 Panini Absolute KABOOM! rookie card, number 9, is available at Collector Store LLC.