In October, I evaluated rookie quarterbacks who had made notable appearances on the field, and among them, Nix received the lowest grade at D+. His early performances raised several concerns, particularly regarding his rapid playing style, which compromised his footwork and overall mechanics. This issue, which had already been evident during his college days, seemed to follow him into the NFL with the Denver Broncos. While he might effectively execute quick throws when his footing is secure, this approach doesn’t align with the expectations placed on a first-round quarterback. At that point, I worried about Nix’s future and the prospect of the Broncos’ season.
Fortunately, with a 17-game season ahead, Nix has shown significant improvement. The development of young quarterbacks is seldom a straightforward journey, and Nix’s progress has been impressive within an offense that’s quickly aligning itself.
The Broncos showcased their offensive prowess with a commanding 38-6 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and Nix was a pivotal contributor. He completed 28 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns, displaying noteworthy chemistry with head coach Sean Payton. It was evident that Payton had devised clever strategies that consistently placed Nix in advantageous situations against the Falcons.
One striking element was how the Broncos leveraged motion and formations to challenge Atlanta’s defense. For instance, a simple backside slant to receiver Devaughn Vele demonstrated effective design. By positioning WR Marvin Mims in the backfield and sending him out into the flat, Denver created numerical advantages, forcing the linebacker to adjust. Nix’s timing and decision-making facilitated an efficient 14-yard gain on a crucial second-and-long situation, showcasing improved quarterback play aligned with strategic concepts.
Mims once again made an impact on another significant play, running a 37-yard rail route that caught the Falcons off guard. Nix effectively responded to simulated pressure, allowing his receivers to clear the way for a successful pass, displaying a growing understanding of the game.
One of Nix’s touchdowns was a masterclass in deceptive play design by Payton. The clever use of pre-snap motion with Mims distracted the Falcons’ defense, helping the tight end find space and score easily. This creativity in play-calling, coupled with Nix’s evolving skill set, demonstrated the duo’s increasing synergy.
Nix exhibited marked improvement in his footwork, which had previously drawn criticism. An explosive downfield throw to Vele highlighted how much steadier and more confident he appeared in the pocket, signaling his growth as a quarterback.
Two key factors have contributed to this surge in Nix’s performance. Firstly, the offensive line has improved significantly in pass protection, lowering the pressure rate from 33.8% in the first six weeks to 28.7% since week seven. While this may come partly from facing weaker opponents, it’s crucial to acknowledge their performance. Secondly, Nix and Payton appear to have developed a stronger rapport as the season progresses, finding the right balance in their collaboration.
As the Broncos fight for a spot in the AFC playoffs, sustaining Nix’s elevated level of play will be essential for both immediate success and long-term development. It’s encouraging to witness a young quarterback evolve into his role amid challenges, hinting at a brighter future for the Broncos.