2024-08-12 05:40:02
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How’s that for a first impression.
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix got off to an excellent start in his preseason debut, finishing 15-of-21 for 125 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
In total, he led Denver to four scores (two touchdowns, two interceptions) in five drives and didn’t take a sack after Jarrett Stidham finished 4-of-7 for 37 yards and an interception.
Stidham only played two series, a limited sample size, but Nix certainly looked far sharper than his counterpart, and fans and pundits were liking what they saw:
Troy Renck @TroyRenck
Here is my Sunday column on Bo Nix. A lot of what I wanted to see has happened. Bo Nix showing poise, mental resolve and athleticism. And Payton calling plays that fit Nix’s strengths, including RPO and quick hitters. #Broncos https://t.co/Bz0J7szyzq
Chris Tomasson @christomasson
#Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix now 15 of 21 for 125 yards with a touchdown and a 102.3 passer rating and having led the team to all 20 of its points. Very strong debut.
Nobody Important @carmulo
I’m sold. Bo Nix is the guy #Broncos
Zach Wilson replaced Nix in the third quarter.
With Wilson mostly receiving reps with the third-team offense, the quarterback competition seems to be down to Stidham and Nix. The latter will be favored to eventually take over the starting gig after the Broncos selected him No. 12 overall at this year’s NFL draft.
Based on what Sean Payton wants to see out of his quarterbacks during the preseason, Nix may have taken a step closer to winning the starting gig on Sunday.
“I want them to play,” he told reporters regarding his quarterbacks. “Play fast. There are going to be mistakes, and we’ll correct them. Now there’s a time in a game where we have to be aggressive. … These guys are playing through their progressions, and they’re doing a good job with their reads. When you get into real games, you get a better feel for the pass rush and all the things that come with playing that position.”
Nix certainly seemed to have a strong grasp on all of the above, at least for one afternoon.
