August 12th 2024.
Renck: It seems like all of our hard work and belief in our abilities as a team is finally paying off. At the NFL combine in February, Sean Payton confidently stood before a room full of coaches and general managers and declared that the Broncos were ahead of the game when it came to evaluating college quarterbacks. He even went as far as to say that he was glad that other teams weren't catching on to our success. And now, after watching our preseason game, it looks like Payton was absolutely right. Bo Nix, our rookie quarterback, showed incredible composure in his debut against the Colts, completing 15 passes, scoring a touchdown, and avoiding any sacks or panic. It's safe to say that Payton and the Broncos know exactly what they're doing.
Keeler: Payton has a clear vision of what he wants in a starting quarterback and he won't settle for anything less. He's not afraid to burn bridges, break salary caps, or do whatever it takes to get the perfect QB for his team. We saw this with Russell Wilson, who turned down the opportunity to play for us, and we're seeing it now with Nix, Stidham, and Zach Wilson, who all know that they have big shoes to fill. As I watched our preseason game, I could see that Payton had a plan in mind. Start Nix, have Stidham ready to step in if needed, and keep Zach as a backup in case of emergencies.
Renck: And here's why I believe Nix is the answer to our quarterback needs. Payton didn't just want a quarterback who checked all the boxes, he wanted one who checked all of his boxes. And Nix does just that. He gets rid of the ball quickly, something that drove Payton crazy about Russell Wilson. He also avoids sacks, which is crucial in the NFL, and he has a high football IQ and great mobility. While no one can predict the future, I have confidence that Nix has what it takes to succeed in Payton's offense.
Keeler: Nix was a pleasant surprise in our game against the Colts, despite a rocky first drive. He not only met the challenge, but he exceeded it. However, I must admit that it wasn't a very high bar to surpass. What impressed me the most was that all three of our quarterbacks showed potential and brought something positive to the table. And in a league riddled with injuries and unpredictability, it's highly likely that we'll need all three of them at some point.
Renck: Based on what we saw from Nix, here's my prediction for the next 10 days. Nix will continue to practice with the first team, getting most of the reps and building on his momentum. Then, in our game against the Packers, he will deliver a solid performance in roughly 25 snaps, proving that the stage is not too big for him. This will clear the way for Payton to announce him as our starting quarterback, and I have no doubt that the rest of the team will believe he earned and deserves it. Payton has put his reputation on the line for Nix, and so far, it looks like he made the right decision.
Keeler: In the NFL, you can't fool the veterans. These players have been around the block and know what it takes to win. And convincing them to put their trust and hard work into a rookie quarterback is no easy feat. But if Nix can earn the respect and trust of his teammates, he will be one step closer to becoming our future quarterback. And if Payton can pull this off, maybe he really is the genius he claims to be. Want more Broncos news? Make sure to sign up for the Broncos Insider to stay up to date on all our NFL analysis.
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