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Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos’ first-round pick and 12th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, made his preseason debut on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Nix entered the game as the second quarterback behind Jarrett Stidham and showcased why the Broncos are excited about his future.
Bo Nix’s Broncos Debut: Here are five key observations from his first game as an NFL rookie.
1. Slow Start but Strong Finish
Nix's debut began with a few shaky moments, including a hurried and off-target throw to Greg Dulcich and an incomplete pass to Lil'Jordan Humphrey. However, after a rough 2-for-6 start, Nix quickly settled in and found his rhythm. His first completion came on a crucial third-and-10, where he evaded pressure and delivered a 22-yard strike to Courtland Sutton. From that point on, Nix completed 13 of his final 15 passes, finishing the game 15-of-21 for 125 yards and a touchdown. This strong recovery after a rocky start was a promising sign for the rookie quarterback.
2. Impressive Command and Poise
Despite being in his first NFL action, Nix showed impressive poise and command of the Broncos’ offense. He led the team on four scoring drives in the five possessions he played, including a well-executed two-minute drill at the end of the first half. His ability to manage the offense efficiently, especially in high-pressure situations, stood out. “I think he handled himself great,” said right tackle Mike McGlinchey. “He had a nice, cool, calm presence about him”.
3. Showcasing Mobility and Playmaking Ability
Nix demonstrated the mobility that made him a dual-threat quarterback in college, adding 17 rushing yards on three attempts. He extended plays with his legs and showed the ability to make accurate throws on the move, including a key third-down conversion to Josh Reynolds while under pressure. Nix’s athleticism adds a valuable dimension to the Broncos’ offense, something head coach Sean Payton has emphasized. “It’s important to extend plays… it’s a nice thing to have,” Nix said after the game.
4. Efficient Scoring Drives
Nix led the Broncos to points on four of his five drives, including two touchdowns and two field goals. His first touchdown pass came on a 1-yard throw to Marvin Mims Jr. after faking a handoff, a play that demonstrated his ability to execute in the red zone. The Broncos averaged 4.0 points per possession while Nix was on the field, an encouraging sign of his ability to lead productive drives and keep the offense moving.
5. Ready to Compete for the Starting Job
Nix’s performance in his preseason debut has certainly put him in the mix for the starting quarterback position. While Stidham started the game and played well, Nix outperformed him, leading more drives and generating more points. His composure, playmaking ability, and strong finish suggest that he could be ready to start sooner rather than later. As wide receiver Courtland Sutton noted, “The moment wasn’t too big for him… come Week 1, whoever they decide to put out there as our starter, they’re gonna have to handle that situation the best they possibly can”.