Bo Nix was drafted as the 12 overall pick for the Denver Broncos. As he starts his journey with the Orange Army, the anticipation builds around the talent he will add to the team. After all, Sean Payton and Co after parting ways with Russell Wilson looked like a team that needed a solid foundation. Now, with Bo Nix’s addition to the crew, a powerful era might be unfolding for the Broncos. In order to establish the same, the young quarterback has a masterclass QB to look up to.
In the form of Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix hopes to lead the Broncos to new heights. The Oregon QB recently appeared in a presser and answered questions about entering the big league. While he shed light on this versatile collaboration with legendary Sean Payton, a recurring comparison highlighted the significant impact Mahomes holds on the game.
Bo Nix and Sean Payton plan to take over the NFL with two major insights
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One of the reporters present in the room asked Nix, “Bo, Sean talked so much during this sit, leading up to the draft about finding the guy that had a good processor. You talked about it a lot at the combine. Can you define what a processor really is in your point of view?” the QB gave his definition with some extra pointers to remember.
For Nix, processing is “taking something you know from the sideline, being able to evaluate it.” However, there are offensive and defensive facets of processing as well. The QB explained how “processing” differs depending on which side of the ball you’re in.
“So, every play starts usually now in the league starts with a huddle, starts with a play call, then there’s probably a shift or a motion or a movement. There’s going to be a Cadence,” said Nix about the offensive side and added his views on the defensive side of things.
“Um, you know you got to see the front through the linebackers, to the safeties um, and then once you see that, you just process everything and then hopefully your preparation has led you up to the point to where you can find the solution.”
But speaking about processing reminds us of Patrick Mahomes, who has incredible mental awareness on the field and can navigate through chaotic situations.
What’s Patrick Mahomes’ greatest strength?
His greatest strength is spatial awareness and the ability to process plays and information very quickly. According to Matt Moore, former Kansas City Chiefs backup QB, Mahomes sees things that a normal person doesn’t observe during the play and he’s always a couple of steps ahead.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Moore mentioned that Mahomes doesn’t watch the play after he connects the pass, instead, he’s looking around to see what else is happening on the field. Moore mentioned “When the ball leaves my hand, I’m looking at the target and making sure we hit it. The ball will literally leave his hand, and he’ll just find where the other guys are.”
#FreakyFriday via Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes using excellent processing, anticipation, & ball placement to lead his receiver into a void in the defense pic.twitter.com/Bk5r8DyU2D
— The Scouting Academy (@TheScoutAcademy) February 5, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“His spatial awareness is off the charts. He knows where everybody is at, at all times – with every concept, with every coverage. It’s really amazing.”
Mahomes spatial awareness and knowledge of the game allow him to make tweaks as the play is in motion, which often surprises the opposition. Maybe Bo Nix can learn a few things here and there and make impact in the rookie year of his career.