Matt Ryan has plenty of belief in Bo Nix.  

Ryan played 15 NFL seasons at quarterback before his current role as studio analyst for CBS Sports’ The NFL Today and The NFL Today+. Nix will make his 22nd career start for the Broncos on Sunday, playing the defending NFL champion Eagles. 

Ryan, in a recent phone interview with The Denver Gazette, spoke about his family ties to right tackle Mike McGlinchey. He also discussed the Broncos’ place in a tough AFC West, coach Sean Payton, and the development of Nix.  

“After the year that (Nix) had as a rookie, everybody expects that you’re just going to be on Josh Allen’s level or on Patrick Mahomes’ level right away in year two. It’s nothing to take away from what he’s done in the first quarter of the season, but that’s not easy, right?” Ryan said. “Those guys are eight, nine, 10 years into their careers, and have that wealth of experience. I still think (Nix) is in the data collecting mode. … Figuring out what the NFL is all about and how to be successful week in and week out.

“But I love his composure. I love his maturity.” 

Ryan identified the next step for Nix to move forward. 

“I think he’s going to be successful. I really do. I think being partnered up with Sean and his skillset is good,” Ryan said. “His accuracy in the intermediate passing game, to me, that’s the thing that’s going to take him to the next level. If that continues to grow.” 

In the AFC West race, entering Week 5, the Chargers (3-1) lead the pack. The Chiefs (2-2), Broncos (2-2), and Raiders (1-3) are jockeying for position.  

“The division is going to be tough. You’ve got the Chargers, who are playing really good football. Kansas City seems to be finding their stride. The Broncos are right there in the mix,” Ryan said. “The way their defense plays, I think they have a chance every week. I think the offense is going to continue to find their stride. Obviously, last week, getting the first 100-yard rusher in the last 30-ought games with J.K. (Dobbins). I think a steady diet of that and the continued development of Bo Nix, I expect them to be there in the (playoff) mix late.  

“Whether that’s winning the division or being the wild card, again, I think they’ll be right there.” 

Ryan has an extensive playing history facing Payton. He led the Falcons in 27 career games against the Saints — posting a 10-17 record. Ryan is reminded of those Saints teams when watching the Payton-led Broncos.  

“I see them wanting to have that long relationship between quarterback and head coach. The way they had it with Drew Brees, I see that with Bo Nix,” Ryan said. “Sean is a winner in this league and has been for a long time. He knows what it takes. But as much as he gets credit for his relationship with Drew — the passing game and all of that — he’s about being physical and having a tough football team. I think he’s building that in Denver.” 

Ryan, 40, has embraced a role in sports media after officially retiring from the NFL in April 2024. His playing career concluded with 62,792 passing yards, 381 touchdowns, and the 2016 MVP award. 

“I’ve enjoyed it, man. It’s been fun. It’s a different challenge,” Ryan said. “I feel like the last two years, being on the studio show, it’s the first time I’ve consumed the NFL as a fan. All 32 teams. I feel like when you’re playing, you’re so focused on your one team and one opponent. So, it’s been fun to watch it from that perspective. But I’m so lucky.”