In a quarterback battle that currently doesn’t have a set date to determine a winner, rookie Bo Nix is off to a good start.
Denver’s players were not in pads and couldn’t tackle during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, so there’s still room for more evaluation. But Nix’s decision-making, quick release and maturity have impressed players and coaching staff.
“His composure speaks volumes,” cornerback Pat Surtain II told The Denver Post. “He’s making comfortable reads and throws. Bo has played at a high level before, so he’s not a deer in the headlights.”
To starting right guard Quinn Meinerz, Nix’s maturity has stood out the most. Nix, who started 61 career games between Auburn and Oregon, has carried himself like an experienced veteran. “It’s almost like he’s been here before,” Meinerz said.
“He has seen a lot and doesn’t make the same mistake twice very often,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “I think when you draft a guy who is a little bit older, you hope that that comes with it, but he’s certainly shown that.”
Despite Nix’s maturity and calmness, Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb said the former Oregon standout has had some rookie moments but is coming along “nicely.”
Overall, Webb said Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson have all had good days. On the days the Broncos held open practice, Stidham was more consistent and seemed to have a firmer understanding of the offense, likely because it’s his second year in head coach Sean Payton’s system.
“It’s way better than last year,” Stidham said. “Last year, it was like ‘What am I supposed to be doing on this play?’ Now, I know what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s more reacting and executing.”
Webb isn’t concerned about Nix and the rest of the quarterbacks’ conservative approach instead of taking a ton of shots down the field to limit mistakes during scrimmages. Webb said the team has been going through installs, and he’s more focused on the quarterbacks strengthening their knowledge of the offense.
“We have two guys that are brand new to this offense, so kind of the attention is put there,” he said.
As Nix, Stidham and Wilson fight for the opportunity to be Denver’s starting quarterback, Webb emphasized the importance of preventing the position battle from hurting the chemistry among the players. He wants the quarterbacks to encourage each other and let the coaches decide who comes out on top.
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“Competition gets dicey at times, so we nailed that during the first meeting that it’s not gonna happen,” Webb said. “No one wants a nasty relationship.”
Stidham, who started the final two games of last season, has taken it upon himself to keep the chemistry intact. While the Broncos are on an extensive break before training camp starts in late July, Stidham plans to bring the quarterbacks and skilled players together in Dallas to train for three or four days to strengthen their bond.
“I think the teams that have the most success are close away from the field as well as on the field,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “Guys are looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Broncos sign Smith after minicamp tryout: Denver signed linebacker Andre Smith on Thursday after he tried out for the team during minicamp. In a corresponding move, tight end Dylan Leonard was waived with an injury settlement, according to the league’s transaction wire. Smith, 27, has played in 62 NFL games, including 11 last year for Atlanta. He also spent time in Carolina, Buffalo and Tennessee.
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