Bo Nix film study: Top 5 throws from Broncos rookie quarterback entering bye week
Courtland Sutton emerges at top receiving target with 63 catches, 846 yards and 5 TDs
The Bo Nix era is alive and well in Denver.
The starting rookie quarterback has the Broncos (8-5) in playoff contention entering the team’s bye week. Nix has accounted for 2,842 yards passing on 277 of 434 completions (63.8%) with 17 touchdowns against eight interceptions.
Here is a closer look at the top five throws of his first NFL season after 13 games played:
1. Historic deep ball: Week 13 vs. Cleveland
Broncos 21, Browns 17 (3Q, 10:12) — Third-and-11 at the Denver 7-yard line
Nix lined up in shotgun with three wide receivers and Marvin Mims in the slot. Nix dropped back into the end zone with a clean pocket to step into his throw. Mims ran a vertical route into Cleveland’s hybrid zone scheme.
Nix threw a deep ball over a trailing Browns linebacker with perfect timing to beat a safety rotating in coverage. Mims caught it in stride and scored a 93-yard touchdown, tied as the fourth-longest TD reception in franchise history. Nix showcased elite confidence, arm strength and accuracy.
2. Thread the needle: Week 11 vs. Falcons
Broncos 14, Falcons 6 (2Q, 2:03) — Second-and-7 at the Denver 33-yard line
Nix lined up in shotgun with three wide receivers and Devaughn Vele in the slot. Atlanta’s four-man rush did not pressure Nix while Vele ran a middle post into zone coverage. Nix threw a dart into a sliver of space between four defenders.
Vele didn’t break stride upon catching the football and went several extra yards before getting tackled by ex-Broncos safety Justin Simmons. The 33-yard gain set up a Denver touchdown before halftime with Nix showcasing veteran savvy in a 2-minute drill situation.
3. The comeback kid: Week 10 at Chiefs
Chiefs 16, Broncos 14 (4Q, 1:53) — Third-and-6 at the Kansas City 30-yard line
Nix lined up in shotgun with three wide receivers and Courtland Sutton split out alone to his left. Nix evaded Chiefs edge-rushing pressure from both sides and climbed the pocket to safety. Sutton ran a crossing route into man coverage and created separation from cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Nix threw off balance running toward the line of scrimmage. His spot-on completion to Sutton put Denver into game-winning field goal range. The Wil Lutz attempt was blocked, and the Chiefs escaped with a victory. But Nix put the Broncos in position for a dramatic comeback win.
4. On the rollout: Week 8 vs. Panthers
Panthers 7, Broncos 0 (2Q, 12:34) — Third-and-goal at the Carolina 3-yard line
Nix lined up under center with Javonte Williams in the backfield. Tight end Nate Adkins lined up in a bunch formation with two wide receivers. Nix faked the handoff to Williams, rolled out to his left and faced immediate pressure from Panthers defensive end A’Shawn Robinson as a free rusher.
Adkins ran a shallow route toward the near pylon of the end zone. Nix escaped Robinson using his legs, kept his eyes downfield, and threw a low-clearance dart to Adkins. The ball location reduced turnover risk and Adkins hauled in the touchdown catch. It proved that Nix can stay cool under pressure.
5. Back-shoulder beauty: Week 1 at Seahawks
Broncos 10, Seahawks 9 (2Q, 0:19) — Third-and-9 at the Denver 48-yard line
Nix lined up in shotgun with Josh Reynolds split wide left among three wide receivers. Two running backs helped protect Nix, and he tossed a deep ball down the far sideline to Reynolds.
Reynolds adjusted well to the back-shoulder throw and used his body to shield Seattle cornerback Tre Brown in man coverage. Supreme accuracy from Nix allowed Reynolds to get both feet down before getting pushed out of bounds. The Broncos made a field goal before halftime and Nix flashed promise in his first NFL start (despite losing the game).