A common thread between the worst Bo Nix throws of his rookie season is improving footwork.

The Broncos quarterback — 4-3 headed into Sunday’s home tilt against the Panthers — is completing 61% of his passes (137 of 224) with five touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also picked up 136 rushing yards over his last two starts.

“I think that he’s a little bit faster than maybe we anticipated even coming out (of college) from a running standpoint,” coach Sean Payton said on his Monday teleconference call. “So, it does give you some flexibility, particularly on third down or in the red zone.”

But those feet haven’t always been a plus.

Nix is often quick to bail in a clean pocket. He’s shown inaccuracy on downfield passes when thrown off platform. Payton addressed the footwork philosophy for Nix ahead of his next start Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.

“I think you have to be careful you’re not overcoaching,” Payton said. “There are some things he does very well out of the pocket or climbing up in the pocket. I think we start with the focus on timing of the route, the depth of the route in the gun or under center (and the number of drop steps). We work on the rhythm of the play so that his feet marry up to the depth of the route. The times where he’s climbing the pocket or moving in the pocket, we’re pretty smart about … how much we try to fix.”

McGlinchey returns

Starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey bolstered the offensive line in a road win over the Saints after being activated from injured reserve (knee) on a short week.

McGlinchey said following the game it was “stressful” getting ready to play on Thursday night. The Broncos still rushed for 225 yards and Nix did not get sacked by New Orleans.

“From the beginning, I think that was the game that was circled. It’s hard to be exact with that,” Payton said regarding McGlinchey’s return timeline. “It’s hard to know exactly for sure, but it was the goal date with his initial injury. I’m proud of how he rehabbed. It was a lot of quiet hours … in the training room where he’s working to strengthen the knee. He was able to do that, and it’s a credit to him.”

Home favorites

The Broncos opened as 7.5-point home favorites over the lowly Panthers (1-6) on Sunday at Empower Field. Carolina is reportedly sticking with Andy Dalton at quarterback after benching Bryce Young earlier in the season. The Panthers also rank last in the NFL for scoring defense (34.7).

“I think the focus really always starts inward, not as much outward,” Payton said. “Certainly, we have to study the opponent. Our preparation, all the things we have to do to get ready to play a game, to play our best game is what the focal point will be, and the details. There are still a lot of things that we have to be better at.”

Broncos Country Votes

The Broncos have partnered with state election officials as part of their Broncos Country Votes initiative.

On Sunday, before Broncos-Panthers at Empower Field, the Denver Elections Division will host a booth located outside the south end of the stadium to help eligible fans register to vote, drop off ballots and receive answers to election-related questions, according to a news release.

Fans can visit denverbroncos.com/fans/vote for more information on Broncos Country Votes.