Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner is a “big fan” of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, according to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. However, Warner disagrees with Broncos head coach Sean Payton that sophomore slumps do not exist.
Payton denied such a thing exists, but Warner, who went from undrafted to the Hall of Fame, said it indeed does.
Moreover, Warner believes Nix, and for that matter, Payton, had better be cognizant of it.
“Defenses make the game harder because they have more of a book on who you are as a player and what your offense is with you in it,” Warner said, per Tomsasson on August 30. “I definitely buy into it whether it is a sophomore slump, or teams can make the game harder for you in your second year or beyond.”
Warner was sure to clarify that he does not necessarily believe that Nix will succumb to the additional film study on him, noting, “It’s not necessarily about overcoming it but if somebody takes away this strength, do you have the ability to do what you need to do beyond that.’’
The Broncos made Nix the No. 12 overall pick of the 2024 draft, and he rewarded them with a record-setting rookie season.
‘Bold Prediction’ Looms Large for Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos head Coach Sean Payton looks on before facing the San Francisco 49ers.
The Broncos won 10 games and made the playoffs in Nix’s first season at the helm, and even greater heights could be in store for 2025.
The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider made the “bold prediction” that they will win the AFC West.
“Denver has not won its division in 10 years. The last nine titles belong to the Kansas City Chiefs, who will probably be viewed as the favorites as long as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are working together. But Denver has its most complete roster since winning the Super Bowl in 2015. Its defense may be football’s best,” Kosmider wrote on August 30, noting the Broncos’ offseason additions.
“Bo Nix is coming off an impressive rookie season and now has more pass-catching targets (hello, Evan Engram) and a running game that should be much improved thanks to the additions of RJ Harvey and JK Dobbins. The West will be a gauntlet, but the Broncos, in Sean Payton’s third season, have enough to finally loosen Kansas City’s dominant grip on the division.”
Nix and the Broncos nearly beat the Chiefs in Week 10 of the 2024 regular season. A blocked field goal led to a 16-14 Broncos loss. Payton rested Nix and the other Broncos starters for the Week 18 matchup between the two teams, which Denver won 38-0 in a battle of reserves.
Nix, Payton, and the Broncos must also usurp the Los Angeles Chargers, who finished second in the division in 2024.
Bo Nix Prediction Would Prove Broncos GM’s Comments
GettyDenver Broncos general manager George Paton speaks with reporters at the 2025 Scouting Combine.
The outside optimism around Nix is encouraging, but the sentiments coming from the Broncos are even more so, including from Broncos general manager George Paton.
“We like our roster,” Paton told reporters on August 28. “We feel we’re strong in the trenches. Obviously, we feel like we have a franchise quarterback. We like the weapons we have on offense, and we play really good defense, and that’s a recipe to win a lot of games. So we feel good about this roster.”
Nix threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on 66.3% completion in 2024.
Nix added another 430 yards and 4 TDs on 92 rushing attempts, adding an unexpected element to the Broncos’ offense and to his outlook heading into Year 2.
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