October 26th 2024.
It's time for the Broncos to face the truth. Bo Nix, their quarterback, is not just quick by quarterback standards, but by any standard. He's so fast that he can't even drive through a school zone without getting a speeding ticket. It's impressive, really. He's been clocked at over 20 mph on multiple runs, whether it's a scramble or a designed play. As we approach the midpoint of the season, coach Sean Payton needs to embrace the movie playing on the Mile High Jumbotron - "Fast & Curious."
Many believed that Nix was drafted for his accuracy, as he set records at Oregon by completing 75% of his passes over two seasons. But in the next few months, that belief will be put to the test. It's clear that the Broncos won't be reaching the playoffs this season solely on Nix's arm. He's just not ready yet. He has the potential to get there, but for now, he's struggling whenever he drops back to pass.
When it comes to quarterbacks, their feet are crucial. They're connected to their eyes, and Nix's feet have been causing him trouble. He bounces around because he doesn't fully trust what he's seeing on the field. This has led to him missing easy throws that he should be able to make with more experience. While he works on his arm mechanics, the Broncos can't ignore his legs. There's a common belief that running quarterbacks can't win championships, but Nix doesn't see it that way. In fact, he takes it as a compliment when people call him a dual-threat quarterback, as long as they acknowledge his passing abilities as well.
Right now, Nix's legs are a valuable asset to the team. He may improve as a passer, but coach Payton needs to continue utilizing his speed on the ground. Payton has always been a fan of passing and winning from the pocket, but Nix's running abilities have been a pleasant surprise. He's even faster than defenders expect, which has resulted in some impressive runs. Nix himself admits that he often gets told he's faster on the field than in a timed workout.
But it's not just about scrambling and improvising when things break down. Payton needs to incorporate designed runs into the game plan to fully take advantage of Nix's speed. He's not just a running back playing quarterback - he has the intelligence and decision-making skills to protect himself while running. Payton is slowly warming up to the idea, acknowledging that it can be a useful weapon for the offense.
Nix's running abilities have already proven to be a valuable element to the Broncos' offense. Since week 3, they rank fifth in the league in rushing yards, with Nix accounting for almost 200 of those yards. It also gives the opposing defense something else to worry about, as receiver Courtland Sutton and left tackle Garett Bolles have both acknowledged. It's no coincidence that the Broncos' defense ranks last against the run, which could work in Nix's favor in their upcoming game against the Carolina Kittens.
Some may hesitate to embrace Nix's running abilities, fearing that he'll become another Tim Tebow. But Nix is a different player, and he's not just relying on his legs to win games. He has the potential to become a well-rounded quarterback, and his running abilities should not be ignored. It's not about what he could be, but what he is right now. And right now, he's a quarterback who can run. So, it's time for the Broncos to lean into that and let Bo do what he does best - run.
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