The Denver Broncos are 8-2 and became the first team in the NFL to reach eight wins, yet national analysts continue to question quarterback Bo Nixâs role in their success.
As PFSN noted, ESPNâs Bart Scott became the latest to sound off, claiming that Denverâs winning formula is âunsustainable.âÂ
Scott didnât mince words when criticizing Nix:Â
âThis is a team being held back by their quarterback,â he said.Â
âWe just have to call a spade a spade. It was horrible to watch. Theyâre getting away with smoke and mirrors.â
âHeâs not accurate, not making plays down the field, and being held up by the defense. This isnât sustainable, and theyâre setting themselves up to be a one-and-done team.â
Scottâs comments come after two underwhelming offensive performances against the Texans and Raiders.Â
These were games where the Broncos leaned heavily on their defense and special teams to win despite their poor offensive performances.Â
Bo Nixâs Inconsistency Drawing Attention
Itâs no secret that Denverâs offense has stalled in recent weeks.Â
Against the Raiders, the Broncos managed just 220 total yards, 10 first downs, and two turnovers in a sluggish 10-7 win.
Nix finished the game 16 of 28 passing for only 150 yards and two interceptions, struggling to find any rhythm or confidence downfield.Â
The offense went three and out seven times and failed to convert on short fields after turnovers, leaving the defense to bail them out yet again.Â
He has now been under a 60% completion percentage in three of his last four games and under 200 pass yards in each of his last two games.Â
While heâs shown flashes of great play earlier in the season, the last few games have exposed both the conservative play-calling and Nixâs growing discomfort under pressure.Â
Head coach Sean Payton has hinted at offensive frustration, admitting that the group needs to âfind some juiceâ and sustain drives to keep up in a loaded AFC.
Why the Criticism Misses the Mark
Still, dismissing Nixâs season as âunsustainableâ ignores the consistency and poise heâs shown in key moments.Â
Nix is currently seventh in the NFL in passing yards and second in touchdown passes.Â
More importantly, Nix has led four comeback wins this year.
He has proven time and time again over his first season and a half in the NFL that he is not afraid of the big moment.Â
His leadership, decision-making, and ability to protect the football have been central to Denverâs success over the last two seasons.Â
The larger issue may not be Nix, but Sean Paytonâs play-calling.Â
Denver ranks near the bottom of the league in average depth of target and passing attempts beyond 15 yards.
Many have argued that the offenseâs design has handcuffed Nix at times, limiting opportunities to stretch the field and take advantage of his arm talent.Â
While Nix has struggled at times and hasnât been perfect, itâs important to remember heâs only in his second NFL season.Â
For being the fifth QB taken in the 2024 draft, I would say he is way ahead of the game so far.Â
Like any young quarterback, heâs bound to experience ups and downs, and NFL analysts should remain more patient as he continues to develop.
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