The Denver Broncos may have found their next franchise quarterback in Bo Nix. The former Oregon Duck signal caller has been increasingly impressive, making noticeable strides week to week. Nobody thought Denver would be competing at such a high level this year, some NFL analysts even put the Raiders ahead of them in their pre-season rankings. What they didn’t count on was rookie sensation, Bo Nix.
Coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Chiefs last week, many were wondering if the Broncos would be able to rebound against a tough Atlanta Falcons team. They did more than just rebound; Denver started fast and kept the pedal to the floor on both sides of the ball. Displaying one of the most dominant performances in the Sean Payton era in Denver, beating the Falcons 38-6.
Denver Broncos Dismantle Struggling Falcons
On Sunday Denver hosted the NFC South leading Atlanta Falcons, led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Vance Joseph’s defense would absolutely smother the Falcons offense, controlling star running back Bijan Robinson and holding him to only 35-yards on 12 carries. Cousins didn’t fare much better in the passing game, only completing 18 passes for 173 yards and an interception while being sacked three times.
During the blowout, Falcons turned to their own rookie signal caller Michael Penix Jr. The Denver defense would tally another sack against the former Husky and only allow him to pass for 24 yards. On the flip side, the Denver offense had one of their strongest showings of the year. Putting up a season high 38 points against what was thought of as an above average Atlanta defense.
Bo Nix Gives Denver Very Bright Future
Denver’s rookie passer had his best game against the Falcons on Sunday, completing 28/33 pass attempts while throwing for careers highs 307 pass yards and four touchdowns. Bringing his total to 2,275 yards and 14 touchdowns to only six interceptions on the season. The former Oregon Duck has also shown off his athletic ability rushing for 295 yards and four touchdowns, as well as even catching a score.
Coming out of college Nix drew a lot of comparisons to one of Sean Payton’s former quarterbacks from when he coached the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl, Drew Brees. His accuracy and ability to play within the pocket were things that made Payton fall in love with him as a prospect, add his lengthy college experience and he was the total package.
Nix’s performances have even gained high praise from his opponents and some of the best to ever play in the NFL. Just last week, Kansas City Chiefs future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce would heap on the praise for the rookie passer. Kelce would say on his podcast, “Bo Nix, holy s–t, that guy was f—ing ripping it out there. Playing some good f—ing football, man.”
Though, the former Oregon star has needed time to progress and grow as any rookie quarterback does. Nix is playing very good football when it matters and has the Broncos right in the mix for playoffs. If the season ended today, Denver would be in the playoffs in fact. These kinds of performances should put Bo Nix more into the Rookie of the Year conversation and give Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels some stiff competition for the award down the final stretch of the season.
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