by David Slade – Colorado Sports Connection
The Denver Broncos have been looking for their next franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset after the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. Since that time Denver has brought in a whole slew of quarterbacks, 13 different starters to be exact. The list had some quarterbacks that we thought were the answer, but they only came to Denver and the rarified air sucked the life out of them.
Another Failed Experiment
After the 2023 season, Denver decided to part ways with arguably a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Russell Wilson. It just seemed that the quarterback (Wilson) and coach Sean Payton could not get on the same page. It appears that Wilson was not a fit for the Payton style of offense. I really think that both sides tried to make it work, it just was not in the cards. So another quarterback was thrown onto the trash heap of failed experiments in the Mile High City.
I have a Solution
During the offseason, the Denver Broncos fan base had a million theories on how the quarterback situation would be handled once and for all. It ranged from trading for every quarterback that was available, picking up any quarterback that had a pulse, and eventually to the draft. Every fan had their opinion on who the Broncos should draft, and what they should give up to make sure that Payton got the guy that he wanted.
Fits like a Glove
It is said that Sean Payton needs a guy that can operate his system… someone who is comfortable operating from the pocket. The guy that Payton needs has to have a quick processor and be accurate with the throws. The quarterback also has to be smart, not make mistakes, and not take unnecessary sacks. Bo Nix fits this job description to a T.
Truth is in the Numbers
Bo Nix played in 61 college football games between Auburn and Oregon. For his career, he completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 15,352 yards with 113 touchdowns and 26 interceptions. His senior year at Oregon was by far his best, as he completed 77.4 percent of his passes for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and only 3 interceptions. Bo Nix can get out of the pocket and make plays with his legs as needed, rushing for 1,613 yards in his five year college career. A very important stat to coach Payton is sacks. Nix was only sacked five times his senior season.
Trust the Process
Sean Payton admits that Nix was not the first on his quarterback draft board. Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were ahead of Nix. We all know that Williams and Daniels were completely out of reach and therefore Nix was “The Guy” that Payton zeroed in on.
Will there be some bumps along the road? Of course there will be. We have to give the young guy time to grow and learn. I distinctly remember a guy named John Elway needing to grow and learn. We must afford Bo Nix the same opportunity.
I am excited about the quarterback position for the first time since Manning left the building. I hope that you are too!
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