The Denver Broncos biggest known secret is now official after Sean Payton named rookie quarterback Bo Nix the starter for the 2024 NFL season. What is it that fans should look for or expect from him this season that’s realistic from an evaluation standpoint and what factored into Payton’s decision?
Denver Broncos officially name Bo Nix the starting quarterback
Sean Payton told Kay Adams near the end of training camp that he doesn’t do a great job of hiding his poker face when she asked him why he’s waiting to name Nix the starting quarterback. While there was an ongoing competition to start the offseason program between Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson, it became hard to ignore how the 12th overall pick has quickly picked things up and has operated Payton’s offense efficiently.
Nix’s first NFL action saw him impressively lead the Broncos offense to four scoring drives and 20 points. In his first career start against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 of the preseason, he led an efficient operation of the offense going 8-of-9 passing for 80 yards and one touchdown, moving the ball down the field at ease.
Now that he’s named the official starter for the 2024 season, what are some realistic expectations for him and what should the fanbase look to see from him.
Let’s get away from statistical predictions and focus on the position and the player himself. Nix has done a great job this offseason of being decisive with the football, delivering with confidence, and, most importantly, protecting the football. From an evaluation standpoint, if he can continue to demonstrate that and showcase growth as a rookie, that’s a win for the Denver Broncos, even if it doesn’t necessarily equate to wins right away. Maybe it does lead to wins, though, and if it does, our conversation will change a bit — how is his performance leading to wins or elevating the players around him? Is the offense demonstrably better than it was last season? These are things we’ll be monitoring regardless of wins and losses.
