Even though he had to take a backseat to veteran QB Jarrett Stidham, Bo Nix impressed in his preseason debut with the Denver Broncos. The 12th overall pick by the Broncos is competing with Stidham and Zach Wilson for a starting place and his performance against the Colts’ defense may have tilted the scales in his favor. Nix’s impact on the game was highlighted by a Broncos legend, who believes he will be a starter in the upcoming season.

During the training camp, Nix had shown in shades what he was capable of. His connection with wide receiver Josh Reynolds looked solid on Day 7, improving from previous sessions. Though there was an odd hiccup with some fumbles, HC Sean Payton was satisfied with his efforts. Come the first game of the preseason, Nix rewarded the belief as his agility gave the Broncos offense the mobility they craved, leading the offense to four scoring drives in five possessions as Denver delivered a satisfactory 34-30 win over the Colts.

Mark Schlereth, former Broncos offensive lineman and current NFL analyst, was full of praise for Nix’s performance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Monday. Dissecting his game, Schlereth said, “You saw him manipulate inside the pocket, never taking his eyes down to focus on the rush, always keeping him downfield delivering strikes. You saw him scramble out of the pocket when he was under duress, but continued to focus down the football field.”

The contrast between Nix and Wilson is as stark as the difference between a Rocky Mountain high and a Mile High meltdown. While Wilson struggled to adapt to Payton’s system, taking a whopping 45 sacks last season, Nix looked like he’d been running this offense since Pop Warner. In his debut, Nix went 15-of-21 for 125 yards and a touchdown, with zero sacks.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Schlereth painted a vivid picture of Nix’s pocket presence: “You saw him stand in the pocket, deliver the football on time, accurately. You saw him manipulate inside the pocket, never taking his eyes down to focus on the rush, always keeping them downfield, delivering strikes.”

Nix did start his preseason debut a little nervous. After coming on late in the first quarter, he shot incomplete on his first two passes, setting up a third-and-10 near midfield. There were also moments that resurfaced from the training camp as he fumbled a snap from Luke Wattenberg during their first drive together. But he soon settled in and in a single play demonstrated why he was highly sought after in the draft.

Under pressure from the right side, he slightly moved to his left, turned his shoulders, fired a pass across his body, and hit Courtland Sutton for a 22-yard gain. It’s like watching a young Drew Brees but with a dash of Rocky Mountain magic.

Nix’s speed and ability to avoid sacks are the traits that made Brees stand out in the NFL. During his 19 years as a starter, Brees was sacked an average of just 22 times per season. Payton himself drew the connection, saying, “I used to say this all the time, ‘The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line.’ Brees was one of those guys. He was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that.” 

Nix’s stock is on the high especially given that Stidham only played two series and finished 4 of 7 with 57 yards and one interception. Zach Wilson, another name competing with Nix for a starting spot, played the final five drives of the game and completed 10-of-13 passes for 117 yards.

But it was Nix who dominated the talk after the game and rightly so. His ability to drive the ball out quickly and get the play going is what Payton had in mind when they picked him up in the Draft. Payton was happy with what he saw from Nix and the young QB’s teammates also shared their opinion about his preseason debut.

Bo Nix impresses team on his preseason debut

Payton praised Nix’s performance in the win over the Colts saying it was “That was big,” as the QB went out without any sacks. Taking fewer sacks must be at the top of the list for Payton, given how Wilson fared last season. Payton also highlighted the team’s improved rhythm in the offense.

He said, “I like the timing, the tempo of when we’re releasing it. That was a big issue for us a year ago with the minus plays. We were towards the back, back half of the league – I think fourth. So, I was pleased with the timing of what we were doing throwing the ball. It’s important.” Thus, indirectly indicating that the Broncos’ offense is taking a much clearer shape than it was under the veteran QB Wilson for the past two years.

Meanwhile, Courtland Sutton also talked about how Nix did in his preseason debut. “I think he handled it really well. Had a lot of poise, a lot of control. The moment wasn’t too big for him. The moments are only going to get bigger.” The moments are indeed, going to get bigger.

For Nix, the next preseason game against the Packers on Sunday, where he will start at home, will be a big test. If he can replicate what the did against the Colts, Payton will have no choice but to have him start in the new season.

Denver can feel the excitement as we approach the 2024 season. Will Bo Nix lead the Broncos back into Super Bowl glory? Time will tell, only time will tell!  But one thing’s for sure – in the Mile High City, hope is rising faster than the altitude. And if Adam Schefter’s report is anything to go by – “Payton feels as strongly about Bo Nix as he did Mahomes” – we might be in for one hell of a ride.