While the passing and rushing numbers are extremely similar, Nix has a decisive advantage in sacks, fumbles — and win-loss record.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Russell Wilson, who has mostly become persona non grata in Denver, played 30 games for the Broncos from 2022-‘23. Bo Nix, the Broncos’ favorite son, has also played 30 games from 2024 to the present.
A 30-game comparison between the two (and you know where Sean Payton’s eyes are going):
QB …….… W-L …… PCT ……… Y ……. TD … I … SK … RTG
Nix ……….. 21-9 ….. 64.9% … 6,729 .. 48 .. 21 … 40 .. 90.2
Wilson … 11-19 … 63.3% … 6,594 .. 42 .. 19 . 100 .. 90.9
QB …… A ……. Y ….. Y/C .. TD .. F .. FL
Bo …… 147 .. 674 … 4.6 … 8 ….. 6 … 1
Russ .. 135 .. 618 … 4.6 …. 6 …. 16 … 7
The traditional passing and rushing stats are similar.
But the collateral damage from attempting to pass was far greater with Wilson. Besides the won-loss record, which can be a reflection of coach and roster talent, along with the quarterback play, Nix had far fewer sacks and fumbles than Wilson.
Following Wilson’s release prior to the 2024 season, Payton often mentioned he wanted fewer sacks for his offense. Following Nix’s first-round selection in the 2024 draft, Payton frequently mentioned the quarterback’s tough-to-sack quality.
The comparison points out two things:
One, Wilson wasn’t that bad during his time with the Broncos. In fact, he was pretty good.
Two, there’s little doubt the Broncos made the correct decision in moving on from Wilson, who hasn’t had much success in subsequent stops with the Steelers and Giants, and making Nix the face of the franchise.
