The Denver Broncos have a critical matchup ahead of them against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11. That is per Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who also did not mince words about his second-year quarterback, Bo Nix.
Nix has been much maligned this season, especially as the Broncos have gotten off to slow starts in multiple games.
That includes Week 10 on âThursday Night Footballâ against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Sean Payton Sends Clear Message on Bo Nix
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos looks on after a win against the Dallas Cowboys.
Nix has completed 60% of his passes for 2,126 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions this season. He posted a 150-1-2 line on 57.1% completion against the Raiders.
Moreover, Nix has been below 60% completion in three of the Broncosâ last four outings. He was below that mark once over the Broncosâ first six games this season. Nix completed fewer than 60% of his passes in six games as a rookie.
To Payton, at least in Week 10, Nixâs problem was a sped-up internal clock.
âWell, I think itâs a plus and a minus; Iâve said that before. I think one of his great strengths is not taking sacks. And so, the clock in his head relative to that sense of urgency, I think there is a fine line of, No. 1, the depth of route. Is this a longer-developing play? A seven-step drop, a five-step drop, a three-step drop, and what should be the appropriate time?â Payton told reporters on November 10.
âI think thatâs a much easier problem to correct than the latter, which is taking the sacks, and, historically speaking, has proven to be much more difficult to fix.â
Nix has spoken about wanting to get off to faster starts. However, he has also played a part in the Broncosâ struggles. He ranks second in pass attempts, but is 13th in passing yards and 24th in air yards per attempt.
Fortunately for Nix, Payton has faith in the support system the Broncos have put around him.
Sean Payton Praises Broncos QB Coach Davis Webb
GettyBo Nix #10 and Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb share a laugh after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
Payton gave strong praise to Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb for how he has not only handled Nix, but also backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger.
The latter is on Denverâs practice squad.
âI think Davis does a great job,â Payton said. âThereâs times where during portions of practice, theyâll work specifically on left off a three-step, left off a five, right off of three, right off of five. Route-specific.â
Webb, a former third-round draft pick by the New York Giants in 2021, is in his third season on the Broncosâ coaching staff and his second with Nix.
He also serves as the offensive passing game coordinator.
Bo Nix Must Clean Up Issues
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos does an interview postgame after defeating the Houston Texans.
Nix made an unfortunate list, which underscores how the Broncosâ young passer must step up his game to elevate the team.
âAmong QBs with enough games to qualify, the highest rates of off-target throws include 3 members of the 2024 QB class and one from 2025,â ESPNâs Kevin Seifert posted on X on November 10.
He has also shown marked improvement, even if the change has not been drastic.
âFor all suggestions, criticism of Nix since Thursday, he has better QBR rating, 54.9, than last yearâs 53.5,â 9Newsâ Mike Klis posted on X on November 10. âQBR and Nix mesh cuz formula gives greater weight to performances in clutch. And sacks, or lack thereof, are also computed. Passer rating makes no such distinction.â
The Broncos are 8-2, tied for the best record in the NFL, and Nix has been integral to that, with a league-leading four game-winning drives.
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