Overview
- On Monday, Oct. 19, coach Sean Payton said he has not considered benching Bo Nix and confirmed Nix will remain the starter as the Broncos prepare for their next game.
- Nix has shown a marked decline in production this season, throwing for 1,049 yards across six games with particularly low outputs of 123 yards against the Chargers and 107 yards versus the Seahawks.
- Former players and TV analysts have publicly criticized Nix’s play, with Mark Schlereth urging a temporary benching and Ryan Fitzpatrick calling the recent performance 'garbage,' while former teammates like Julian Edelman defended him.
- Team insiders point to operational causes for the struggles, saying Payton’s return to his old play-call terminology disrupted timing after Davis Webb’s tenure and that Nix’s offseason ankle surgeries may have affected his willingness to absorb contact.
- Denver’s defense and timely plays have kept the team at 4-2, backups have not offered a clear alternative, and Nix’s play over the coming weeks will influence playoff hopes and his contract/extension picture next season.