Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is not ready to name rookie quarterback Bo Nix as the starter just yet, but it seems likely to happen soon.
“He’s played well. I’m not announcing any starting quarterback tonight,” Payton said after Nix made a strong case for the role by leading Denver to scores on both of his drives during his first NFL start, a 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers’ backups on Sunday night.
Nix, who was a standout at Oregon and was the sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft, has now led Denver to scores on six out of seven drives in the preseason.
Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick, who scored his first touchdown in 974 days after missing the last two seasons with leg injuries. Nix also had a 14-yard pass to Javonte Williams, but it was overturned on review as he was ruled just past the line of scrimmage when he threw the ball.
Denver (2-0), which got touchdowns from all three quarterbacks, had to settle for the first of Wil Lutz’s two field goals instead.
When asked if he thinks he has done enough to win the job, Nix said, “That’s not for me to decide.”
It’s up to Payton to make that decision, and while he hasn’t revealed his choice yet, he praised Nix.
“He had one penalty that was right on the line. It was a tough call,” Payton said. “He made some good plays at the line of scrimmage with checks. You can see his comfort level growing as he adjusts to the calls. He shows poise when he’s playing.”
Nix finished 8 of 9 for 90 yards and had an impressive 140.7 passer rating. Patrick caught four of his passes for 30 yards, including the touchdown, his first since December 19, 2021.
