Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has everyone excited after putting on a fantastic performance in his preseason NFL debut on Sunday. The former Oregon Ducks signal-caller shined on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 125 yards on 15 of 21 successful passes with one touchdown and zero interceptions in a 34-30 win at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Among those impressed by Nix’s stunning performance was former NFL quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
“Bo Nix was the most efficient quarterback of his draft class due to his ability to process complex plays with ease and the QUICK RELEASE seen on that TD throw,” Griffin posted on (the social media platform formerly known as Twitter).
“He showed this in his preseason debut, completing 15/21 passes for 125 yards and 4 touchdowns, as well as his creativity.”
That’s a recommendation for Nix from someone who knows what it takes to be successful as a first-year pro in the NFL. It may be recalled that Griffin became a Pro Bowler in his NFL rookie season in 2012. He also won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
As for Nix, he definitely made a name for himself as the Broncos’ starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season by shining against the Colts. He put Denver ahead in the second quarter with a 10-play drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Mrvin Mims Jr., giving the Broncos a seven-point lead, 10-3. From there, the Broncos never looked back as they maintained their lead en route to a 1-0 record in the 2024 NFL preseason.
Nix was the last quarterback selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), Drake Maye (New England Patriots), Michael Penix (Atlanta Falcons) and JJ McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) were all selected before the Broncos took their turn at No. 12.
Nix played his first three college seasons with the Auburn Tigers before taking his talents to Eugene to play two years with the Ducks. During his time at Oregon, Nix amassed 8,101 passing yards and 74 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions for a 74.9 percent completion rate.
Broncos QB battle with Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham
Denver’s other two quarterbacks also had their moments. Zach Wilson completed 10 of his 13 throws for 117 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Jarrett Stidham completed 4 of 7 successful passes in his limited time on the field. Stidham’s stats show one interception, but that wasn’t entirely his failure; Denver running back Samaje Perine simply failed to catch a short pass from Stidham, leading to a Kenny Moore pick for the Colts.
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None of the three quarterbacks were sacked, which is also thanks to Denver’s pass protection unit.
It may be that the battle for the Broncos’ quarterback spot is now just between Nix and Stidham. Perhaps a clearer picture of who will start for Denver in September will emerge when another preseason game against the Green Bay Packers takes place at home next week – August 11.
The Broncos will play their final preseason game on August 25, also at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, against the Arizona Cardinals.
This will be followed by two weeks of final preparations for the start of the 2024 NFL season for Denver, which will face the Seattle Seahawks away on September 8.
