September 9th 2024.
Bo Nix's first game in Seattle was a mix of highs and lows, from a dream start to a nightmare debut. The regular season can be unforgiving, and Nix experienced that on his second snap as a professional football player. He found himself just 11 yards from the end zone, thanks to an interception and run-back by Alex Singleton, and a 9-yard gain by Javonte Williams on first down. But by the end of the game, the Denver Broncos had not only missed opportunities and struggled in crucial areas, but they also didn't seem set up for future success.
Nix acknowledged the difficulties they faced, stating that it was tough to make big plays and sustain drives against the Seahawks' tough defense, especially in third-and-long situations. However, he also believed that despite their poor performance, they still had a chance to win the game. And they did come close, with a one-handed catch by Tyler Lockett preventing them from getting the ball back with under two minutes to go.
Nix's first outing as a starter ended with a stat line of 26 of 42 for 138 yards, two sacks, two interceptions, and a 47.5 quarterback rating. But there were more issues than just a rookie quarterback's struggles. Nix had shown calm and quick decision-making during training camp and preseason games, but on Sunday, his play felt rushed and he made too many mistakes. He missed passes and threw behind receivers, and his accuracy seemed off.
During the summer, Nix was praised for consistently moving the Broncos' offense and protecting the ball. But on Sunday, the offense had seven three-and-outs, two drives ending in interceptions, and they were fortunate to not have more turnovers. Head coach Sean Payton defended Nix's performance, stating that he was competing and composed, but the rest of the team needed to do more to help him.
Payton also pointed out that their pass protection was average at best, and he urged the receivers to step up and support Nix. There were drops and missed opportunities, but the bigger issue was the lack of fear the Seattle defense had of getting beat deep, allowing them to aggressively rally to the football and stop the Broncos' skill players. And while Nix's performance was concerning, it wasn't the only issue the team faced. The offense struggled to gain yards on first down, leading to too many third-and-long situations, and the defense gave up too many yards and touchdowns on the ground.
Despite the concerns, Nix's debut was not a complete disaster. He was not the only rookie quarterback to struggle in his first game, and his coaches and teammates have praised his ability to learn quickly. But there is room for improvement, and with a tough game against Pittsburgh and a demanding schedule ahead, the Broncos will need to make adjustments and find ways to win in challenging situations.
Nix knows that there is always room for improvement, even if they had won the game. The team will continue to work on being efficient and avoiding third-and-long situations, and Nix is determined to find ways to win in tough games. And as a Broncos Insider, you can stay updated on all the latest news and analysis about the team.
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