Horse Tracks: Expectations of greatness with Bo Nix

Horse Tracks: Expectations of greatness with Bo Nix
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Can the second-year QB live up to expectations?

Watching the Steelers and their desperation signing of Aaron Rodgers should put things in perspective for Broncos Country. All indications are that Denver found their quarterback in last year’s draft in Bo Nix. He had a terrific first year in the NFL, but is it reasonable to expect continued excellence from the young quarterback?

In 2024, Bo Nix exceeded expectations, throwing for 3,775 yards with a completion rate of 66.3%. He set the rookie record for passing touchdowns with 29 against 12 interceptions. Nix posted a passer rating of 93.3 with a QBR of 56.8. On the ground, Nix rushed 92 times for 430 yards—an average of 4.7 yards per carry—and scored 4 rushing touchdowns.

Can he do it again?

The secret of Bo Nix is out. He’s no longer the rookie flying under the radar while he devours the playbook and acclimates to the NFL game. Teams will not be overlooking him or his talents going forward. That said, there’s no reason to believe that, outside of injury, Nix won’t continue on his present skyward trajectory.

This will be Nix’s second year in Sean Payton’s system and his first with the same offensive coordinator in back-to-back years. He has familiarity with all his receivers, one he played with in college in Troy Franklin. He’s had time to digest the playbook and well on his way to becoming the quarterback that Sean Payton envisioned when the Broncos drafted him 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Sure, there could be an incoming sophomore slump, but the tea leaves are trending the other direction. All indications are that Nix has the maturity and skill to make that next jump this season. Mind you, it’s a terrible barometer, but others seem to have a substantial amount of confidence in what Nix can become. A Bo Nix football card recently sold for nearly $100,000.

If card collectors believe in you, you must be great. Maybe. It’s going to be a fun season to see what Bo Nix grows into.

HEADLINES

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