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Broncos’ 8-2 Start Throws Spotlight on Bo Nix as Sean Payton Says QB Is ‘Walking a Fine Line’

Coaches describe his issues as fixable, with data and former quarterbacks pointing to accuracy and pocket concerns.

Overview

  • Denver is 8-2 and atop the AFC West, pairing an elite, league-leading pass rush and top red-zone and third-down defense with an NFL-high 53 punts through 10 weeks.
  • After a 10-7 win over the Raiders, Bo Nix and J.K. Dobbins publicly lamented the offense’s sluggish play, with Nix taking blame for penalties, turnovers and slow starts.
  • ESPN and Next Gen Stats show Nix’s dropback success and first-down rates fall in neutral situations, with one of the league’s highest off-target rates on throws of 10-plus air yards.
  • Sean Payton said Nix’s sped-up internal clock means he is “walking a fine line,” calling it easier to correct than taking sacks and praising quarterbacks coach Davis Webb’s work.
  • Media scrutiny has intensified, including Colin Cowherd’s on-air suggestion that Denver could consider drafting a quarterback, even as Nix has delivered league-leading fourth-quarter comebacks.