On the night the Saints celebrated former quarterback Drew Brees, rookie quarterback Bo Nix achieved a significant milestone that matched a record set by John Elway over 40 years ago. With four victories in seven starts, Nix equaled the Denver Broncos’ record for the most wins by a rookie quarterback in a single season, a mark initially reached by Drew Lock in 2019.
“It means a lot,” Nix remarked to reporters following a 33-10 triumph over the Saints. “You’re talking about one of the greats to ever do it at our organization. It means a lot. You’re in great company. I am not finished. We have a lot ahead of us, so I definitely don’t want to stop there. We are going to continue to improve as a team. I am going to keep growing and learning as a player. Hopefully, we will continue to have wins like this.”
In 1983, Elway secured his fourth win in Week 15 and wrapped up the season with a record of 4-7 as a starter. Lock achieved a 4-1 record in five starts five years ago.
Nix has 10 games remaining to surpass both Elway and Lock. The focus now shifts from whether he can achieve this feat to how much he can outpace them.
Next on the schedule are the Panthers, presenting Nix with an excellent opportunity to claim his fifth victory. However, upcoming matches against the Ravens, Chiefs, and Falcons may prove to be more challenging.
After a rocky start with two losses, the Broncos have rallied to win four out of their last five games, aided by a formidable defense. Nix demonstrated his growing skills by completing 16 of 26 passes for 164 yards against the Saints, while also rushing for 75 yards on 10 carries.
While he has a long road ahead to reach Brees’s level of performance, Nix is already showcasing success akin to Elway’s as a rookie. With the Broncos vying for a spot in the AFC playoff race, the future looks promising for the young quarterback.