It’s been a slow start for the Denver Broncos. They’ve started the season 1-2 after back-to-back heartbreaking field goals. The Broncos’ defense, however, has been very solid so far. They held the Titans to only 12 points and kept the dangerous Justin Herbert in check. Nevertheless, Denver still enters Week 4 with a losing record.
Simply put, the offense has not been where it needs to be. Unsurprisingly, there’s been plenty of blame being thrown around. However, there’s one man who seems to have been dodging the blame for a bit too long: Bo Nix.
Stats Start the Story
Bo Nix has had a very slow start to the season and is showing clear signs of a sophomore slump. He ranks a measly 26th in passing yards and 19th in completion percentage, a far cry from his metrics last season. Nix also has three interceptions through the first three games, and a mere yards per completion average of 5.6.
After finishing 12th in passing yards last season despite several brutal games, it seemed that an improvement was inevitable. However, it looks as though he has only regressed.
The Eye Test Tells More
Aside from just the numbers, it is clear to see how much Nix is struggling. He has been missing crucial and wide-open deep balls. He has been consistently rolling out of the pocket way too early. And as any disgruntled Broncos fan will tell you, he is not setting his feet on long throws.
All this is to say, he has been eerily reminiscent of early 2024 Bo Nix.
Fans all saw last year Nix struggle immensely out of the gate. Though the talent was there, his 0:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio through his first three games left fans worried.
The touchdowns are up this year, but he’s still left much to be desired. Nix’s poor decision-making and propensity for risky throws have fans wondering if they entered a time machine and went back to last season.
The mistakes he was making last season were expected to be gone as he entered his second year. However, it is clear that he still hasn’t grown as a quarterback, and only time will tell if and when he ever will.
Bo Nix’s Future in the Balance
If the Broncos are going to make a run in the AFC, they simply need Bo Nix to pick it up.
Have the linebackers and cornerbacks missed on a few plays? Yes. Have the special teams struggled? Also, yes. However, the quarterback is the most important position in football. Nix was arguably a top-10 quarterback last year, and the Broncos were counting on him to take a step forward. Not backwards.
The pass rush has been getting home. The secondary has been preventing the deep balls. The offensive line has been blocking well. J.K. Dobbins has been stellar running the ball. Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin have had very solid starts to the year.
However, none of that matters when the game is close and the franchise quarterback has to deliver.
Hopefully, Nix’s struggles stem from rust, and he’ll be able to shake it off as the season progresses.
It is way too early to sound the fire alarm or start looking into other quarterback options. Nix had a fantastic rookie season and has earned himself a very long leash. However, for the Broncos to live up to their expectations, they need Bo Nix, and they need him now.
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