In his debut with the Broncos, quarterback Bo Nix threw two interceptions in the loss.
SEATTLE -- Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix faced a challenging debut on Sunday that didn’t go as he had hoped. Denver coach Sean Payton emphasized that Nix lacked sufficient support from both his teammates and coaching staff, contributing to the difficult experience.
Nix, selected as the No. 12 pick in the April draft, completed 26 of 42 passes for 138 yards, threw two interceptions, and was sacked twice in the Broncos' 26-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. He also missed out on additional opportunities as Seattle defenders dropped at least two potential interceptions.
Payton acknowledged that the blame was shared among the team. “He gave us a chance,” he said. “Our protection was average at best... At one point, I told the receivers, 'Hey, let's go.' I don't know how many drops we had, but we need to help this guy out.”
Despite having discussed the importance of a strong run game and defense for young quarterbacks throughout the preseason, Payton expressed disappointment with the Broncos' running game. While they managed 25 carries for 99 yards overall, Nix’s 35 rushing yards from scrambles— including a 4-yard run for Denver's only offensive touchdown— skewed the numbers. The primary running backs, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, contributed only 23 and 27 yards, respectively, on a combined 18 carries. Rookie Audric Estime also fumbled on one of his two carries.
“We need to be more effective running the football,” Payton stated. “That’s just not good enough... We have to reevaluate our run plan and figure out why it wasn’t more effective. It’s going to be tough for any quarterback if that’s our best effort running the ball.”
As a result, Nix attempted more passes than Payton desired, totaling 42. The Broncos concluded the game with just 231 net offensive yards and converted only 5 of 18 on third down.
Even Payton took responsibility, admitting, “I have to be better.”
“It was a tough day, and they didn’t make it easy for us,” Nix said. “You have to give them credit, but we fought hard.”
When asked if he felt nervous for his first NFL start, Nix hesitated before responding: “Uh, no.”
The day was not without positives for the Broncos' defense, which recorded an interception by linebacker Alex Singleton on Seattle's second play, forced two safeties in the first half, and recovered a fumble deep in Seahawks territory.
However, the offense only capitalized on two turnovers with field goals, despite starting drives on Seattle’s 20 and 9-yard lines. The Broncos led 10-9 at halftime but allowed Seattle to gain momentum in the second half, with the Seahawks rushing for 90 yards and scoring two touchdowns to take a 26-13 lead late in the fourth quarter.
Nix's scramble brought the Broncos within six at 26-20 with just over two minutes left, but they couldn’t regain possession.
Payton, who named Nix the starter on August 21, maintained that he believed Nix was prepared for the challenge, noting the rookie's calmness and poise during the final drive. “We need to support him better,” Payton added.
Nix acknowledged that despite the struggles, the team had a chance to win. “Our defense and special teams played incredible and kept us in the game,” he said. “We need to evaluate and figure out how to improve.”
Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds praised Nix's determination. “I love that,” he remarked. “A quarterback that continued to fight.”
Nix is the first rookie captain for the Broncos since Hall of Famer Floyd Little in 1967 and the first rookie quarterback to start the season opener for Denver since John Elway in 1983. His next challenge will be even tougher as the Broncos face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their home opener next Sunday. The Steelers recently secured a win over the Atlanta Falcons, sacking quarterback Kirk Cousins twice and intercepting him multiple times.