The Broncos’ starting quarterback played a bit and a whit of just beyond a quarter Saturday night and looked a lot more like Paxton Lynch than Peyton Manning, or rather as Russell Wilson and Zach Wilson.

He threw short, long, off, outside and away and even was called for on a ludicrous intentional grounding that cost the Broncos a safety.

Is this guy supposed to be the third coming of John Elway and Manning? He seemed more like the second arrival of Case Keenum.

Well, it was a worthless first exhibition, and he certainly was.

Don’t fret yet.

Roll over, Beethoven, Bono and Prince, Homer, Pluto and Seal, Eminem, Sting, and Seal, Messi, Pele and Renaldo, Koke, Shaq and Icharo.

The Denver Broncos’ quarterback has one name, too.

Bonix.

He’s not Bo, not Nix, not Bo Chapman Nix. He doesn’t need a nickname like “Shoeless Joe,” “Broadway Joe’ or “Mean Joe Green.”

Even “Go Bo.”

He has the shortest name in the NFL, and the best name.

John Elway was called “The Duke’’ and Peyton Manning “The Sheriff.” Tom Brady always was Tom Brady, and nobody ever thought to designate the four-time Super Bowl champion “Montana Joe.” There was a “Whizzer White” from Colorado and “Galloping Ghost” Red Grange and players called by their initials, and the “Say Hey Kid’’ Willie Mays.

But never before Bonix.

He also has the easiest autograph in sports: “Bonix.’’

Bo Jackson must be jealous that he was not recognized as BoJack.

Bonix rolls off the tongue as he rolls out to throw a 32-touchdown or scramble for a 14-yard gain.

Broncos backers at Mile High Stadium must learn not to serenade the QB with “Bo’’ every time he makes a big play. You can’t say “they’re not booing him, they’re saying “Bo.” It’s BoNix or nothing. And it sure beats the “in-com-plate” chant.

It’s “Bonix, Bonix, Bonix.’’

“Bonix is way better than “Tee-bow, Tee-bow’’ or “DangeRuss’’ or, ye gads, shouts of “Kyle Orton” and “Craig Morton.” Not one person among 75,000 will shout “Trevor Siemian.” The discouraging word “Drew’’ will never be heard.

Bonix. Say it loud, say it proud.

The Bonix fix is in.

Bonix sells tix, throws for six, will have the Broncos in the mix for the AFC West division title, a playoff victory and even a championship game this year. He said last week that if you’re not playing for the Super Bowl, what’s the purpose of playing?

He’s confident, even cocky.

Bonix has thrown several interceptions in training camp workouts but, then, they were against what is being marketed as possibly the best defense in the NFL this season. But a pix six in a workout with your own team or even in a friendly with the 49ers doesn’t mean a thing.

Bonix coach Sean Payton says he expects his quarterback to be among the top five soon enough. The self-announced experts are so sure about the positive Payton prognostication. He is rated in the middle half of the league among quarterbacks, although his fantasy league stats place Bonix in the top 10.

Intriguing enough, his rookie statistics could slip some, because the Broncos should have the most proficient rushing game since Terrell “The Terror’’ roamed the field for 1,500, then 2,000 yards. If the three-headed backfield of veteran J.K Dobboms, J.R. Harvey and J.-aleel can put their initials on the running/catching attack, the Broncos could combine for 1,500-2,000 yards and Bonix wouldn’t have to depend enitirely on the passing game.

And the Broncos have the first tight end since Shannon Sharpe to provide some third down and red zone and touchdown relief.

But Bo Nix — not to be confused with Bonix — did not have an auspicious start last night in California, where the Broncos won their last Super Bowl. He completed his first pass to buddy Troy Franklin, then was average, awful and abnormal for a quarterback who led the Broncos to the playoffs last season.

Sophomore-slump starts?

Aberration or Abomination, Broncos Nation?

We didn’t see Bonix.

He got the stink out of his system. The offensive line was offensive; Courtland Sutton made a $2 effort at a catch; the running game was weak, and the Broncos’ defense was pedestrian.

Perhaps he should lose that YouTube Channel and concentrate on football.

But no panix for Bonix.