After a slow start to his pro career, Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been red-hot in recent weeks.
Nix posted a record-breaking performance in a 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, completing 28-of-33 passes for 307 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers.
“I thought he played well,” coach Sean Payton said after Sunday’s win. “You feel like you’re in good hands. He’s smart with the football. He makes plays with his feet. A lot of times you’re calling plays for certain looks [and] the looks aren’t there. He has that ability to create and all the while protect the football. I thought he played really well.”
Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles also gushed with praise for Nix.
“I think he’s incredible,” Bolles said. “Bo is my dog, and he leads his team. He leads this offense. We go as far as his play. Us five up front just needed to handle business and that’s what we did. What makes him so special is when he has time to throw the ball, he gets the ball to our playmakers. He’s a deadly quarterback in this league.”
Nix is now gaining steam as a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate, joining Jayden Daniels in the conversation.
“He’s been on fire all year,” receiver Troy Franklin said. “He’s been doing really well, especially his confidence and the way he carries himself in the locker room. We really didn’t feel like we had a rookie. He just feels like an experienced veteran, and he’s been on the field every play.
“With his elusiveness and being able to extend plays, he doesn’t quit on any plays. He’s Bo Nix. He wants to make the most of every play so it’s a lot of fun playing with him.”
Nix has scored 19 total touchdowns this season (14 passing, four rushing and one receiving). The next-closest among rookies is Daniels (14).
“The dude should be in conversations for Rookie of the Year,” veteran receiver Courtland Sutton said. “There should be no hesitation. He shows up week-in and week-out, he’s only been able to progress each weekend. That’s all you can ask for. For a young guy to continue to progress, continue to meet the challenges that are faced in front of them, and that is what he continues to do.
“It’s a lot of fun to be a part of. A lot of fun to watch him go out there and just have fun. You can tell he’s like a kid, he is just enjoying himself. For your quarterback to be out there enjoying himself and not panic, there’s not one ounce of panic that goes upon him, no matter what part of the game we’re in. It’s a lot of fun.”
Oddsmakers have also noticed Nix’s ascension. Before the season started, BetMGM had Nix listed with +1700 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s now all the way down to +400, only trailing Daniels (-600).
“I haven’t seen a quarterback, a rookie quarterback, like him, in a long time,” running back Javonte Williams said. “And just the way he keeps composure, the way he treats people, and just the way he plays on the field. I mean, he’s the full package.”
Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain took it a step further by suggesting Nix is in the conversation for NFL MVP this fall.
🎮PS2
“He’s HIM. I told [Bo], ‘man, you tryin’ to win MVP'”#BroncosCountry | @gs_off_field pic.twitter.com/5gZsHWyCHR
— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) November 18, 2024
It’s probably too early to talk NFL MVP, but Nix has certainly put himself in the mix to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Nix will look to build on his 2,572 yards and 19 touchdowns when Denver goes on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12.
