With players getting in their reps and rookies working through playbooks, the 2024 NFL preseason is in full swing, offering a first look at what to expect this season as teams form their identities. Preseason performances aren't the measuring stick, although they are critical for warming up and going through the process to determine exactly where teams stand heading into Week 1 of the regular season.
Bo Nix Makes Case to Be Starting Broncos QB
What's really interesting about preseason games is when positional battles unfold, especially at quarterback. It was the case at quarterback where the Denver Broncos released the nine-time Pro Bowl player Russell Wilson after the disappointing two-year stint, and now the QB spot belongs to another player. That vacancy remains and the battle to fill it has become a hot one between Jarrett Stidham, offseason addition Zach Wilson, and this year's 12th overall pick, Bo Nix.
Just after Week 2 of the preseason, Bo Nix made a strong case to be the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback in an easy 27-2 win over the Green Bay Packers. Nix was near perfect, going 8-for-9 with 80 yards and a quarterback rating of 140.7. He added 12 yards in runs while showing he is mobile, too. He took his team to scores on both his drives, with a 90-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tim Patrick.
The former Oregon Ducks star looked poised and confident, building off his strong performance from Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Sean Payton came close to naming him the starter but ultimately drew back. "He's played well," Payton said postgame. "I'm not announcing any starting quarterback tonight. I'll let you guys know when the time comes. But I thought he played well."
He highlighted the sharpness of Nix at the line of scrimmage, noting a player capable of making checks to adjust to defensive coverages. "He does a good job distributing the ball—understanding the zones, the man-to-man, what some of the coverage concepts we're getting," Payton added.
Whereas Nix shined, both Stidham and Wilson had their moments, leading touchdown drives of their own. But it was the Broncos' defense that really stole the show. Even though Green Bay did not play its starters, Denver's defense kept the Packers out of the end zone all game. The stifling defensive performance forced four punts against the Broncos, two missed fourth-down conversions, a fumble, and an interception. The only points the Packers scored were when Wilson was sacked inside his own end zone for a safety.
With preseason weeks pouring in, all eyes will be on Bo Nix and the Broncos as they decide who will be leading the charge under center in Week 1. After such a strong showing, though, Nix definitely made his case, and Broncos fans have reason to be very excited about the potential that this rookie brings to the table.
