September 29th 2024.
The game between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets was a sight to see. The Oregon Duck, also known as Bo Nix, seemed to struggle on the field. His throws were off, almost as if he couldn't get a grip on the ball. It was a tough game for Nix, who became the first NFL quarterback since 1991 to complete only three passes in the first half and throw for negative yardage. It was a rough start, to say the least.
When asked if he considered wearing a glove to help with his grip, Nix replied that he had never worn one before. That's just who Nix is – he's comfortable in his own skin. He knows his strengths and weaknesses, even when the game is not in his favor. I couldn't help but think of Tim Tebow when watching Nix play. There was something about his determination and resilience that reminded me of Tebow in a good way.
Through the first four games of the season, Nix has proven to be a unique player. His style of play is not easily explained, but it's easy to appreciate. Despite the rainy and miserable conditions at MetLife Stadium, Nix made the passing game seem like a foreign concept. In a way, it was reminiscent of Tebow's game in 2011 against Kansas City, where he only completed two passes but still managed to win the game. Nix, on the other hand, didn't complete a pass beyond the line of scrimmage until the third quarter.
But Nix is not Tebow. Let's be clear about that. Tebow's favorite receiver was the ground, whereas Nix connects with his receivers. However, in games like Seattle, Pittsburgh, and the Jets, his passes were for minimal yards, or worse, led to turnovers. Despite this, Nix never loses his confidence. As right guard Quinn Meinerz said, "He won't flinch. He doesn't flinch. It doesn't matter what the situation is." Nix's teammates have faith in him, and that's all that matters to them.
This mental strength and unwavering confidence is what makes Nix stand out. He is mature beyond his years, and like Tebow, he is deeply religious. It takes faith to believe in something you cannot see, and Nix clearly remains blind to the odds against him. Even when the Broncos trailed 6-0 in the third quarter and Nix's passing numbers were less than desirable, he never panicked. He trusted in his abilities and stayed focused on the game.
Nix's composure was put to the test when facing a third-and-11 from his own 24-yard line. With the game on the line, he delivered a 29-yard strike to Courtland Sutton, and I could feel the tension ease in the press box. It was a crucial moment in the game, and Nix's confidence never wavered. As he put it, "You let it develop, you rip it, and you trust that your receiver is going to get there." And that's exactly what happened.
The Broncos went on to win the game, with Nix recording his first NFL touchdown pass to Sutton in the back of the end zone. It was a strange and unconventional game for Nix and Sutton, with Sutton only catching three passes for 60 yards, while six other players caught nine passes for zero yards. But in the end, a win is a win, and there are no ugly wins in the NFL.
Left tackle Garett Bolles summed it up best when he said, "It doesn't matter what it looked like. We did it." And that's the lesson with Nix as the lead actor in "The Rookie." It may not always be pretty, but he gets the job done. Head coach Payton has faith in him, and even in games like this, he believes Nix played well. It's easy to see why when you consider the miserable weather and the struggles of the offense.
But as Payton said, "I wish you guys could go out to dinner with him." Behind the scenes, Nix is a different person, and that's what matters to Payton. Nix may not have finished the game, but he left the field with the confidence of his teammates and coaches. And that's all that matters to him.
In the history of the Denver Broncos, it is rare for them to win a game when their quarterback's performance is like Nix's on Sunday. In fact, it has only happened six times in the 65-year existence of the franchise. But as we saw in Sunday's game, stats don't always tell the whole story. It takes mental strength, determination, and a little bit of luck to come out on top, and Nix showed all of that and more. He may not have the prettiest numbers, but he has the heart of a champion. And in the end, that's all that really matters in the game of football.
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