Something is wrong with Bo Nix this year. The former Oregon Duck has looked like a shell of himself all season long. Despite being 4-2, Denver’s offense has been one of the worst in the league. While there is plenty of blame to be shared, many are beginning to home in on Nix’s play.
The Numbers Are as Bad as They Look
Normally, evaluating a player’s performance can be tricky. Complex statistics and nuanced arguments are often required. With Nix, though, that is not the case.
Among quarterbacks who have started in every game for their team, Nix ranks above only Cam Ward and Malik Willis in passing yards and yards per game. Nix also has the fourth-worst quarterback rating.
Additionally, the only quarterbacks in the entire league with fewer yards per attempt than he has are Jack Strand, Tanner McKee, and Jalon Daniels. For reference, Strand and McKee have only played in one game while Daniels is an undrafted rookie.
Nix’s numbers truly speak for themselves. He has thrown for under 200 yards in four of his six games. His completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating, and quarterback rating are all at career lows.
Simply put, Nix has been playing alarmingly poor football, and he’s running out of explanations
The Broncos Fixed Everything Around Him and It Hasn’t Helped
After the first few weeks of the season, many were asking questions about the Broncos as a whole, not just about Nix. First-year playcaller Davis Webb was catching plenty of flak for the inefficient offense. Additionally, Denver’s defense was consistently struggling to make tackles. However, over the last couple of weeks, the Broncos have addressed those issues.
Sean Payton took back playcalling duties in Week 5, a move that many felt would help Nix. Additionally, the defense has been sensational, carrying the Broncos to wins against the Seahawks and Chargers while the offense sputtered.
Therefore, the offensive woes can be easily attributed to Nix’s poor play.
The Broken Ankle Changed More Than Just His Mobility
While the stats do a solid job of painting the picture, they don’t tell the full story. That comes from watching the games. Nix has looked uncomfortable in the pocket all season long. Nix fumbled three times in the season opener against the Chiefs, and then twice more against the winless Chargers. The poise and confidence that defined him as a quarterback appear to be gone.
Additionally, Nix has not looked nearly as mobile ever since he broke his ankle last playoffs. Despite having averaged over four yards per carry his first two seasons, he is under two yards per carry this year. Similarly, Nix has yet to run for over 10 yards this season, while last year he ran for 10 or more yards in 13 of his 17 starts.
Many analysts have also taken note of Nix’s play, looking beyond his statistics. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick went on a rant after their game against the Seahawks, calling Nix’s play “disrespectful to the quarterback position.” Fitzpatrick pointed to a lack of passion and competitiveness from him as the source of his frustration.
ESPN analyst Peter Schrager referred to Nix as “a shell of himself,” echoing growing concerns over Nix’s intensity and aptitude as a quarterback this year.
Few have been mincing words about Nix, and for good reason. The way he has been playing is unsustainable, especially for a Denver team with an elite defense actively trying to contend for a Super Bowl.
Nix needs to regain his composure, start producing, and begin playing like his old self. Otherwise, Denver could begin looking at other quarterback options for next year.
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