Mile High Report
Excitement and optimism are flourishing across Broncos Country as the Denver Broncos enter their third season of the Sean Payton era.
There is no shortage of reasons for such enthusiasm. Rightfully so, fans across Broncos Country should feel good about the season ahead after years of dread and despair. First and foremost, continuity with the coaching staff and playbook. Second, the Broncos are bringing back a much-improved defense that only got better with their offseason additions. Third, they added a half dozen playmakers between the running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions on offense which should help their overall efficiency and ability to sustain drives.
All the aforementioned should give fans new confidence. However, how good the 2025 Broncos end up will be profoundly impacted by the progression and growth of second-year signal caller Bo Nix. There are some that have concerns about Nix enduring a sophomore slump. Count me in as one on the other side of the fence—being absolutely bullish about his potential in 2025.
From Year 1 to Year 2 — An Increase in Knowledge and Confidence
With five collegiate seasons under his belt as a starter, Nix hit the ground running as a rookie. After a shaky start to the season, the former Oregon Duck improved greatly as the season progressed. From highlight reel throws to Houdini moves scrambling out of the pocket, his ability to make plays in big moments showed he could handle the pressure of life under the bright lights.
For a lot of young quarterbacks, the rigors of the pros can be overwhelming. Though there weren’t many times, outside early in the season, where I ever felt that was the case for #10. Week in and week out, he showed the physical and mental toughness to overcome obstacles that came his way. Down the stretch—there were moments where he looked like a seasoned veteran—as opposed to a rookie with a ‘deer in the headlights’ demeanor.
Entering his sophomore campaign, Nix has continued his quest of development. He made the rounds this offseason meeting with Drew Brees and Tom House to help take his game to the next level. He’s been as diligent as possible working on his mechanics, training and pursuit of getting a better feel for the game. Not only that, but he has done great absorbing the playbook to heighten his overall command of the offense, which Head Coach Sean Payton alluded to earlier in the week.
“He’s much further along. What it allows him to do is message more to other players in the huddle. When you first get started, you get the play and you’re calling it. When you’re further along, you’re able to talk maybe about a split really quick. If you look at it, you have these 12 seconds, you get the play, the cadence, the snap count, and then can you remind the back, ‘You might be the primary.’ The little reminders. He’s light years further along. He’s doing well,” stated Payton.
If Payton...
