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Excitement abounds for the Denver Broncos, heading into this season. And Sean Payton is fired up about his quarterback. However, here is the Broncos’ biggest reason to panic after the start of the 2025 NFL training camp.
Even though Payton is a respected head coach, there’s still concern about what the offense will look like. Yes, quarterback Bo Nix looked awesome at times last year. But if he can’t duplicate that success this year, will the Broncos fade from playoff relevance?
And therein lies the Broncos’ biggest reason to panic for 2025.
All chips in for Payton. He hasn’t held back his praise for Nix, according to Sports Illustrated.
“He’s going to be one of the top four or five quarterbacks in the league the next two years,” Payton said. “That’s what we’re seeing right now. He doesn’t take sacks. He’s got exceptional arm strength.”
One thing about that type of comment is the pressure it puts on Nix. Instead of him working his way through the second year on his own terms, he will need to meet the expectations hoisted upon him by his head coach. And this also adds to the narrative that Nix is set up for a pathway that could sink the Broncos. Thus, the panic.
First, let’s consider the weapons. Courtland Sutton ranks No. 31, according to Pro Football Focus.
“Sutton has been a model of consistency for the Broncos,” Trevor Sikkema wrote. “Since 2019, he has earned a receiving grade below 70.0 only once (69.7 in 2022), but he’s also surpassed the 80.0 mark just once (2020). With Denver’s offense expected to take a step forward in 2025, this could be Sutton’s most productive season yet.”
Yes, it could be. But let’s also consider that ranking. This is the Broncos’ WR1. That means he’s the best the team has to offer. So, Nix operates with one of the worst No. 1 receivers in the league. Handcuffed right out of the gate.
And if you’re WR1 is low level, how high can WR2 and WR3 be? Those guys are barely recognizable on the NFL starting receiver stage. Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele likely won’t cause defensive coordinators to lose sleep before the game. Backups include Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Trent Sherfield Sr.
You get the picture. Nix doesn’t have a boatload of impressive weapons.
And what about the ground game to take pressure off Nix? It looks like the Broncos will ride with R.J. Harvey at RB1. J.K. Dobbins provides a safety net, but will he stay healthy?
So, not only does Nix not have great receivers, but the ground game is completely unproven from the RB1 standpoint.
Yes, there is. The Broncos have the No. 2-ranked offensive line in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
“All five of Denver’s starting offensive linemen in 2024, each of whom logged more than 800 snaps, return...
