The Denver Broncos sport an impressive 8-2 record after the first ten games of the season. Winners of seven in a row, their success has earned them a lot of praise and spotlight on the airwaves. Though with praise often comes criticism and one player in particular has been under more scrutiny than others. That would be second-year signal caller Bo Nix.
After the Broncos’ 10-7 win on Thursday Night Football, Nix’s erratic play was magnified. Some analysts such as Ted Nguyen have suggested for Nix to be benched if his struggles continue. Others, such as Colin Cowherd, floated the possibility of Payton looking for a potential replacement after just two years. Interesting timing, considering he called him a franchise quarterback just a month ago.
The Bo Nix Experience has been a series of highs and lows—simultaneously thrilling and extremely frustrating. While he has some of the most touchdowns and fourth quarter comebacks this season, his down-to-down and situational efficiency has been quite poor. Nix’s ability to operate the drop back game has been an issue and accuracy down the field has been amongst the worst in the NFL.
Even with those issues, most fans across Broncos Country remain optimistic about the future of the team. Moreover, have confidence that Nix and the offense will turn things around—just like they did in the second half of last season. With a bye coming after their Week 11 affair, Denver will have two weeks to prepare for their next game. But what better time than now to get things going and find a rhythm on offense?
Denver faces a familiar foe on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs, who sit at 5-4 and unfamiliar territory in third place in the AFC West after nine straight years of division titles. This isn’t just any game for the Broncos; it’s their biggest test of the season. A game where they can strengthen their lead in the AFC West and help throw the Chiefs’ playoff hopes and aspirations into the wind.
In order to do that, the offense is going to have to play a lot better. One of the mantras Head Coach Sean Payton has repeated to all season long was the importance of starting fast. Alas, the Broncos have scored first just once this season and know it’s time to buck that woeful trend.
“I think it’s our jobs to offensively put ourselves in a position of starting faster. When I discussed this after the game, there aren’t many times when a game’s over—when you win even—where you’re fully satisfied. There’s something bugging you, there’s something. Certainly, getting that balance and the time of possession also to help our defense,” stated Payton.
So, why all the slow starts? The Broncos have among the most three-and-outs in football as well as drives that result in punts. A primary reason for that has been their penchant for penalties. The Broncos are tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the most penalties in the NFL with 83—40 of them coming on offense. Being an NFL quarterback is already tough, but the weight on Nix’s shoulder has been a lot more than it needs to be consistently being in long distance situations.
In order to beat the Chiefs, they’ll have to limit their self-inflicted wounds that have plagued them in most games this season. On top of that, the Broncos will have to overcome some big injuries to one of their most consistent players on offense. With running back J.K. Dobbins expected to miss Sunday’s game due to a foot injury, the pressure will be even greater for Nix to perform at a high level.
Denver’s first and second down rushing attack had been one of the best in football. Unfortunately, that looks like it could be on hiatus for the time being due. It remains to be seen how well RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie, and Jaleel McLaughlin will perform in place of Dobbins, who was one of the NFL’s leading rushers heading into the weekend.
Nevertheless, it’s next man up mentality for the Broncos, and that appears to be second-round pick Harvey, who has flashed out of the backfield as a receiver, but is still trying to find his way as a runner. Even so, Nix is confident that his teammate will be able to take care of business and rise to the occasion on Sunday.
“He’s just going to continue to find his way. Whether that’s running or catching, blocking, doesn’t matter. I think he’s a great team player and he can find a way to get it done for us.”
It won’t be easy, but if the Broncos can find a little bit of rhythm on offense versus a top-ranked Steve Spagnuolo defense, it’ll certainly help them have a shot at getting their ninth victory right before their bye. Here’s to hoping that happens. As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for your enjoyment.