The Denver Broncos experienced a pivotal moment in 2024 that marked the emergence of rookie quarterback Bo Nix as a key player, highlighted by an intense sideline exchange with head coach Sean Payton during a Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This breakthrough signaled a deepening trust between Payton and Nix, driving the Broncos to their first playoff appearance since 2015.
Turning Point in the Broncos’ 2024 Campaign
Bo Nix’s relationship with Sean Payton reached a significant milestone during Denver’s 34-18 victory against the Raiders in Week 5 of the 2024 season. After a missed third-down attempt, Nix confronted Payton with visible frustration, an incident that Payton later regarded as the moment he realized Nix possessed the resilience and competitive spirit he valued. The tension on the sideline reflected their evolving dynamic and Payton’s growing confidence in his rookie quarterback.
The respect Payton has for Nix extended beyond the field, as Dianna Russini of The Athletic shared on The Bill Simmons Podcast. After a missed call from Payton during the offseason, Russini received a voicemail where Payton said:
“(Payton) is in love with this team right now, Like even this summer, (Payton) reached out to me a few times checking in and I missed the call … and he just left me a voicemail. And it’s just Sean Payton, and he goes ‘I love my quarterback’ and hangs up. Like who does that? They’re talking Super Bowl there, by the way.”
—Dianna Russini, Reporter
Bo Nix’s Impressive Rookie Season and Potential Growth
Selected 12th overall in the record-setting 2024 NFL draft class that saw six first-round quarterbacks, Bo Nix arrived in Denver following standout college careers at Auburn and Oregon. Despite a slow start—failing to throw a touchdown pass in his first three games and managing just one in his first four—Nix finished the season with remarkable statistics: 3,775 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, plus 430 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
By Week 5, when the confrontation with Payton took place, frustrations had reached a boiling point. Payton later referenced the moment with humor and affection:
“There’s still a little bit of Ferris Bueller in (Nix) that we got to get rid of, I’m talking about Bo, and I love him to death. Sometimes it’s my love language … did you watch the movie? Have you ever seen it?”
—Sean Payton, Head Coach
This playful exchange, involving also backup quarterback Davis Webb, highlighted a unique camaraderie within the team that contributed to a successful finish of the season. As a shared team joke, it spoke volumes about their bond and mutual respect, solidifying the foundation for future success.
Bo Nix Leads Broncos Back to the Playoffs
Following their Week 5 win, Nix’s performance surged, as he threw 28 touchdowns in the final 12 games. His leadership helped the Broncos secure a 10-7 regular season record and a return to the postseason after nearly a decade. The Broncos narrowly missed a near-perfect season, with six of their seven losses being by a touchdown or less, underscoring the team’s competitiveness. One particularly painful defeat was a 16-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10, decided by a blocked game-winning field goal attempt in the final seconds.
This breakthrough season demonstrated Nix’s ability to handle pressure and grow into his role as Denver’s franchise quarterback, marking a turning point for the organization’s future.
Challenges Remain Against AFC West Rivals
Despite the strides, Nix’s journey is not complete. The rookie quarterback must still prove himself against the other top signal-callers in the AFC West. Notably, he has yet to record a win over Chiefs’ star Patrick Mahomes and Chargers’ Justin Herbert. The Broncos were swept by the Chargers in two close games during the 2024 season, both decided by one score.
While Denver did claim a regular season victory against the Chiefs, it occurred in the finale with Mahomes and many starters on the sideline after securing the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed. This leaves Nix with an important milestone to achieve to cement his status as a true contender in the division.
Looking Ahead
Sean Payton’s early praise and the fiery sideline moment with Bo Nix illustrate a growing partnership that has reinvigorated the Broncos in 2024. Nix’s rookie season statistics and leadership helped end Denver’s playoff drought, setting the stage for heightened expectations in 2025. However, the real test lies in overcoming elite division rivals Mahomes and Herbert, as the Broncos aim to establish themselves as AFC West champions once again. The season’s breakthrough offers hope for sustained success driven by Payton’s strategic guidance and Nix’s evolving talent.