2024-08-12 05:30:02
Nix took over on the third Broncos drive and almost threw an interception on his first toss when he went deep down the seam. He was able to scramble away from pressure and floated a nice ball to Sutton for 22 yards on third-and-10 to kick-start his good fortune. It was an up-and-down opening drive for the Oregon product. Nix fumbled a snap that was recovered and also gunned a throw on a screen that should’ve been picked off. The Broncos got a Wil Lutz field goal to get on the board, though.
The rookie was bestowed great field position on the ensuing possession and responded by orchestrating a 10-play, 56-yard TD drive. Nix rushed for a pair of first downs on the drive and threw a dart for six to Mims on third-and-goal.
“It was a nice play by Marv,” Nix said of the touchdown. “He did a good job of getting to the corner and we executed well.”
He had two more drives in the first half, with one immediately halted by a lost fumble from Lucas Krull. Denver got the ball right back on an interception with 1:24 to go and Nix went right back to Krull. Able to march his Broncos on a seven-play, 75-yard drive in 1:19, Nix and Denver took a 13-10 lead thanks to another Lutz three-pointer.
Payton elected to stick with Nix for another series in the second half.
Nix produced points again, finishing his first impression by going 5 for 5 on the drive to lead to an Audric Estimé 2-yard touchdown.
Nix played fast, sometimes too fast. He led his receivers into contact a few times and threw the aforementioned fastball on a screen that likely should’ve been intercepted. His scrambling success and quick-draw release were clear positives, though.
Overall, it was a very favorable first act for the first-rounder that is likely to have many clamoring for him to be the Broncos’ season-opening starter.
Said Nix: “It just felt like it was good to get out there and throw some completions, see a new defense and ultimately just get out there and compete.”
