Bo Nix's teammates see the rookie's growth

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Good vibes are brewing in Denver.

For the past decade, the Denver Broncos have tried nearly everything in their pursuit of a franchise quarterback. They’ve made trades. They’ve signed free agents. They’ve given rookies a shot.

This offseason, for the first time, the Broncos tried drafting a quarterback in the first half of the first round. Through two preseason games, it looks like the Broncos have found their man.

“He was good,” wide receiver Tim Patrick said after the Broncos’ 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. “He’s been consistent these last couple of days. He’s been Bo Nix. He doesn’t try and be somebody that he’s not.”

Nix’s efficiency is his calling card. Last year, he set an NCAA record by completing more than 77% of his passes at Oregon. He threw 45 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

On Sunday, Nix completed eight of nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. It was a slight step forward after another stellar performance in Week 1 of the preseason.

“We’re just trying to work the days and the reps, and maximize as much as we can and just communicating with each other,” Courtland Sutton said. “He and I went to talk after some of the plays and just trying to get on the same page as quickly as we can.”

Nix entered training camp as the odds-on favorite to be the Broncos’ opening-day starter. In the four weeks since camp began, he’s only helped his case.

If Nix wins the starting quarterback job—and all indications point toward Nix winning—he’ll be the first rookie to start Week 1 for the Broncos since John Elway.

“When you see a younger guy like that take control of offense, you know the expectation is going to keep on going further and further,” cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him play for sure. Obviously, we had our runs in college, so I knew the talent was there, but just to see him do it for full display now, as his teammate, it’s pretty exciting to see.”

Surtain said he’d be comfortable with Surtain starting as a rookie. He said he’d be happy with any of the Broncos’ three quarterbacks starting.

But Surtain sees Nix trending upward.

“He played lights out as usual, and I just see it day in and day out. He’s just growing his confidence,” Surtain said. “Obviously, he’s growing his chemistry with the offensive guys, receivers, running backs, tight ends, his O-line.”

Another defensive back, safety PJ Locke, agrees with the trend Surtain sees.

“He’s super, super efficient,” Locke said. “Man, I think he’s like a very seasoned rookie—the way he marches down the field. The way he carries himself, the confidence he has. He has confidence in his arm. He’s able to read the defense and make the right reads. Man, he just continues to get better every week. Our job is challenge him in practice, and man, he’s stepping up big time.”

Nix credits the offense run by head coach Sean Payton for part of his early success.

“I think it’s a really good fit,” Nix said. “Especially tonight, I came out here and was very comfortable with the first few plays that were called. They were kind of keeping it within my comfort level, and that’s huge, especially for someone who’s trying to get in there and execute.”

Payton has incorporated from Nix’s Oregon offense. The Broncos cut down their RPO usage on Sunday compared to last week, but we’ve seen more of them than we did last year.

Payton is getting Nix out of the pocket to show off his athleticism, too.

“Look, we’re trying to develop and teach and coach,” Payton said. “We’re trying to get these guys stuff they do well. Part of our job is to understand their strengths and then try to build upon them. I think he’s done a good job of working, digesting it and really hitting into the game, looking at the gameplan.”

Payton was unwilling to name Nix the starter on Sunday, but the announcement can’t be far away.

The Broncos’ rookie quarter looks special, and he’s getting better by the week.