The Bo Nix era is not off to a strong start for the Broncos.
Denver selected Nix with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and gave the rookie quarterback the chance to compete for the starting job in training camp. Nix impressed head coach Sean Payton and his staff enough to earn the QB1 role, but his debut left much to be desired.
Nix was the Broncos’ first rookie starting quarterback since John Elway, but his performance was far from that of the Hall of Famer.
Throwing for under 150 yards with two costly interceptions, it was a first game to forget for Denver’s new franchise cornerstone.
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Bo Nix stats: Rookie QB struggles vs. Seahawks
- Comp Att: 26-42 (61.9%)
- Pass Yds: 138
- Pass TDs: 0
- INTs: 2
- Rush Yds: 35
- Rush TDs: 1
Nix couldn’t have been handed a better situation on the first drive of his NFL career and couldn’t convert.
The Broncos defense forced Geno Smith to throw an interception in Seahawks territory, giving Nix and Denver the ball in the red zone less than a minute into the game. Two run plays and a check-down incomplete pass later, the Broncos were forced to settle for a field goal.
Although it was just three plays, that opening drive ended up encapsulating Nix and the Broncos’ offensive struggles the rest of the game.
Here’s how every one of Denver’s drives shook out after settling for three in Seattle’s red zone:
- Punt
- Punt
- Interception
- Punt
- Field goal
- Punt
- Punt
- Field Goal
- Punt
- Jaleel McLaughlin fumble
- Punt
- Punt
- Interception
- Nix rushing touchdown
Nix’s two interceptions weren’t pretty. His first turnover was in the first half on a shot to Courtland Sutton in the end zone against double coverage, resulting in an easy pick for Seahawks safety Julian Love.
His second interception was even worse, again trying to force a ball to Sutton through triple coverage in the fourth quarter.
Nix made a little magic happen with his legs late in the game when Denver was trailing by 13. He scrambled for 23 yards to kickstart the Broncos’ comeback hopes, completed four consecutive short passes, and then put his body on the line for a four-yard rushing touchdown.
Denver’s defense couldn’t come up with the stop needed to give Nix a potential game-winning drive, ending in a 26-20 loss in his debut.
A bad first game isn’t the kiss of death, though. Just ask Elway.
The future Hall of Famer went 1-for-8 on pass attempts for just 14 yards and one interception in his rookie debut. He was sacked four times and got benched in a loss.
If nothing else, that should give Nix some hope moving forward after a disappointing premiere in the NFL.
