Few quarterbacks have been under the microscope as much as Bo Nix. Despite the critiques and blatant hatred, Nix has led the Broncos to an 11-2 record.
Sometimes, targets never get a clear opportunity to silence their critics. For Nix, this postseason can truly determine whether he will elevate into elite status or crash and burn into NFL mediocrity moving forward.
Stats Don’t Lie
Ball don’t lie. An infamous saying in practically all sports — stats don’t prove everything.
However, they do have a comedic ability to silence certain critiques. In his two years, Nix has completely revived a downward-spiraling Broncos team. In 30 games, he has thrown for 6,729 yards, 48 touchdowns, and a 21-9 record, per Pro Football Reference.
Has he done it all by himself? Absolutely not. However, any long-tenured NFL fan understands how critically important a quarterback is to a team’s overall success. Perhaps 47 out of 48 players are elite, but if your quarterback isn’t, you aren’t winning a Super Bowl. Not to mention this is only Nix’s second year in the NFL.
https://twitter.com/MLFootball/status/1998933180167106633?s=20
His Lengthy College Career Shaped His Leadership
Another blatant critique of Nix has been how long he played college football. While some may find this to be reasonable, his five years of college crafted his leadership into what it is today. In every interview he is calm and collected and displays the attitude of a 10-year veteran.
This doesn’t breed fights and silent resentment; it molds a team into fighting every second for a quarterback they believe in.
In spite of the noise, Nix continues to impress in ways that seem surreal. If the back of his jersey said Mahomes, people would be praising him like he just parted the Red Sea.
Falling down touchdown passes, even no-look passes to completely fake out a defender. This isn’t the stuff an average quarterback does, not by a long shot. Is it enough to put Denver back where they belong as a playoff dynasty?
Ultimately, Nix has shined in unexpected ways but has also shown his NFL inexperience. Denver currently sits atop the AFC with an 11-2 record and will face a formidable Green Bay Packers team on Sunday.
Nix has much to prove, yet continues to ride his horse of success into the final moments of the season.
Leave a comment