Aug 11, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) points during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
(Denver, CO) – There was a good deal of skepticism when the Denver Broncos made Bo Nix the sixth quarterback taken at pick 12 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nix spent five years as a college quarterback, and at age 24 could be one of the oldest rookies to start Week 1. But perhaps his age is also a reflection of his experience as Nix looked near-perfect in his preseason debut.
The Broncos traveled to Indianapolis this weekend and are still in the midst of finding a true starting quarterback after parting ways with Russell Wilson this offseason. Nix relieved starter Jarrett Stidham who played the first two drives before exiting the field with an interception.
Nix quarterbacked five drives for Denver, four of which ended in scores. The lone drive that Nix was in the game that the Broncos didn’t score was when tight end Luke Krull fumbled on the first play of the drive. The rookie quarterback completed 15-of-21 passes for 125 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown to Marvin Mims.
The young signal caller seemed comfortable in his first NFL action. “Overall it felt good to get out there and throw some completions,” said Nix. “Just get out there and compete.”
After leading Denver for another touchdown drive at the start of the second half, Nix took to the sideline as Zach Wilson finished the game out.
Wilson was at the helm for two touchdown drives, the latter a 6-yard rush by Blake Watson that would eventually be the game-winning score.
Head coach Sean Payton spoke highly of all three quarterbacks, acknowledging that he was “pleased with the timing throwing the ball” specifically.
It will be interesting to see if the veteran experience of Stiddham and Wilson give them an edge over the rookie Nix when it comes to deciding who will start Week 1. Nix is scheduled to be the starter for Denver’s next preseason game against Green Bay on Sunday night.
