Bo Nix did not run a 40-yard dash at the NFL combine or at Oregon’s pro day this spring as he was recovering from a minor toe injury. Perhaps because his speed was not measured leading up to the draft, Nix’s speed has taken some fans and pundits by surprise this season.
The Denver Broncos’ rookie quarterback has had a knack for avoiding would-be sacks and turning them into big gains on the ground. Following a 33-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, Broncos coach Sean Payton praised NIx for his ability to protect the ball and extend plays.
“I had made this comment earlier when we drafted him — when you watch him play, you don’t feel like you are in harm’s way,” Payton said after the win in New Orleans. “He is tough to sack. He has good ball location. He makes a lot of plays with his feet. He has some big play opportunities.
“There is confidence that you get as a play-caller that allows you to be more aggressive. We wanted to come out tonight in that mindset.”
Nix’s rushing ability gives defense’s one more element of the offense to worry about, and it gives Payton another weapon to utilize in his scheme.
“I think that he’s a little bit faster than maybe we anticipated even coming out from a running standpoint,” Payton said Monday. “So it does give you some flexibility particularly on third down or in the red zone.”
Nix has rushed 47 times for 255 yards and three touchdowns through seven games this season. At that pace, Nix is on track to end his rookie season with 619 rushing yards, which would rank second in franchise history only behind Tim Tebow (who rushed for 660 yards in 2011).
Run, Bo, run!
