In the early off-season this year, the Denver Broncos traded Russell Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They brought Bo Nix in the 2024 NFL Draft as their first-round (12th overall) pick. In the early offseason, the team was ranked 30 out of 32 in the NFL team’s power rankings. Though the locker room has exuded confidence during practice sessions, no one expects them to do well in increasing competition. Only 2 weeks are remaining for the season, and Head Coach Sean Payton is still trying to sort out their quarterback situation. The veteran coach has a (coaching) career spanning over 20 years in the NFL. Will his experience come in handy? Looks like that!

Former NFL offensive player Brian Baldinger talked about Payton on the DNVR Sports podcast on August 20, 2024. While revealing the HC’s coach’s secret reaction against low expectations, he said, “I don’t think he really you know I mean Sean he he loves that um privately probably loves everybody’s counting them out. I mean they got back in the playoff race last year when they went up to Kansas City and beat the Chiefs and won five in a row and was taking the ball away in record numbers I mean if this defense does anything like that um I don’t how see how you could count the Broncos out at this point.” The retired offensive athlete presented a powerful defense there. But last year, Wilson was in charge. The one in charge this year will be a newcomer.

Baldinger supported the new QB as well. Analysts don’t expect him to do much at the franchise which failed to qualify for the playoffs last year. But the former NFL star cited his college (Nix) experience of 61 games and he has already seen all different situations in those games which anyone can expect on the gridiron. He said that the rookie would exceed the expectations. Bo Nix played for the Auburn Tigers from 2019 to 2021 and Oregon Ducks between 2022 and 2023. One interesting fact! He started in every game he played. Will it continue?

Broncos won their first preseason game against Indianapolis Colts. They won their 2nd preseason game against the Green Bay Packers as well. Baldinger noted Bo Nix seemed shaky in the opening game but made great strides in his footwork and passing in the following game. He made six scoring drives in seven possessions in both games. He looks like the only ideal candidate for their starting QB.

Broncos are not only preparing their roster for the season, but they are gearing up to give a new, enhanced experience to their fans as well. Keep reading to know more about their stadium upgrades.

Denver Broncos’ Field upgrades

Broncos owner Rob Walton (Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group) invested more than $100 million in upgrades at Empower Field at Mile High. There are 3 prime upgrades; Club 1977, investment in the Stadium Artist Series, and upgrade in food and beverage offerings. The management has incorporated the local food heritage of the Rocky Mountain region, introducing 12 new vendors and 10 new signature items.

Last year, they unveiled 8 murals. In 2024, they plan to add 3 more murals made by local artists and Colorado pride and tradition through the Stadium Artist Series. The best among all is Club 1977, a tribute to their ‘Orange Crush Defense’ team, known for its ruthless defense in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They even qualified for their first Super Bowl against the Dallas Cowboys but lost. Their member, Randy Gradishar, became a Hall of Famer in the Class of 2024.

While analysts and rivals don’t rank them too high, the management and locker room are optimistic. Payton is tirelessly working behind the scenes to achieve results. Can Bo Nix lead them to the Super Bowl? That may be too much to ask from a rookie.