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Jeff Legwold
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Following the Denver Broncos’ gritty 10-7 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 6, in which the team struggled offensively, coach Sean Payton openly criticized the offensive strategy, calling it «awful.»
However, thanks to a combination of self-evaluation during the bye week, enhanced practice sessions, and maybe a few epiphanies, Payton has significantly brought out the potential in quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense since that challenging victory.
Coming off what many consider his best performance to date in the NFL, Nix delivered a stellar showing against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday, amassing 302 yards on 23 completions out of 34 attempts with four touchdowns, each thrown to a different receiver. This remarkable display of efficiency has positioned Nix among the most productive quarterbacks in the league over the last four games, a trend he aims to maintain for the upcoming clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars (4:05 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Fox).
«We’re really synchronizing well,» Nix stated. «[Payton] has faith in me, which is clear from his play-calling. My responsibility is to ensure his plan is executed effectively. We often discuss our intent as a quarterback group — understanding what he desires for each play. Ultimately, it’s about safeguarding that plan.»
Defensive standout Alex Singleton remarked after the Packers game, «It was a spectacle from my vantage point.»
«He’s an exceptional talent,» emphasized Broncos receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who was on the receiving end of one of Nix’s touchdown passes. «He has the ability to create plays on the move and can launch it effectively. You’re witnessing what we’ve known all along. It’s been evident for a year among us.»
Nix’s progress can be attributed to strategic adjustments, as the two games where Payton deployed him most extensively have taken place during this recent four-game span (Week 13 versus Washington and the Week 14 rematch against Las Vegas). Additionally, the Broncos have exhibited flexibility in their game planning, shifting from a conservative approach in Week 14 to an aggressive strategy against the Packers.
Nix’s performance against Green Bay has likely become a defining moment in his NFL career, considering the stakes of playoff positioning and the robustness of the Packers’ defense. His ability to navigate the pocket effectively has been influential, as Payton has been open to modifying some former tactics in his playbook.
A review of the footage revealed that the Broncos effectively utilized more receivers on the short side of the field than they had in previous matches this season. This strategy was crucial in freeing up Courtland Sutton for his second 100-yard receiving game of the year (seven catches, 113 yards, one TD).
Efforts were made to amplify Sutton’s involvement. The top receiver for Denver had only four games with eight or more targets in the first ten games this season, including two in Week 10. However, Sutton has seen a resurgence with three games of eight or more targets since then, marking his first consecutive weeks with ten or more targets since Weeks 8 and 9 of last year. Among his ten targets on Sunday was a pivotal 26-yard reception on fourth-and-2 in the fourth quarter, leading to the team’s final touchdown.
«We’re discovering our identity,» commented Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz. «We’re hitting our rhythm.»
This rhythm has resulted in a notable performance against zone coverage from the Packers. Nix had been among the lowest-ranked quarterbacks in generating positive plays against zone defenses (28th), yet he demonstrated notable improvement against Green Bay’s varied zone schemes. On Sunday, 57.6% of his dropbacks against zone defenses produced positive results according to NFL Next Gen Stats, a figure over 14% higher than his season average. Furthermore, the Packers, who entered the game with the 10th-best pass rush win rate in the NFL, failed to sack Nix and only managed to hit him three times.
«The offensive line performed exceptionally,» Nix acknowledged. «… We managed to create space and complete passes.»
As Nix and Payton continue to build their rapport in their second season together, Payton often reflects on his long-term tenure with Drew Brees at the helm of the Saints for 15 seasons. He reiterated this sentiment on Sunday, addressing the adjustments he has had to adopt with Nix.
«It’s all about adapting and learning,» Payton remarked. «For 15 years, I had one type of personality in Brees, and their styles couldn’t be more contrasting. … It’s about getting to know [Nix] and adjusting to his competitive nature, which is truly refreshing.»
Teammates highlight instances where Nix completed passes to 11 different players in the Week 14 fight against the Raiders or his ten-player completions in the Week 11 victory over the Chiefs, further underscoring that he has embraced Payton’s versatile game strategies. This versatility was on display again Sunday, as his touchdown passes were distributed among Sutton, Humphrey, Troy Franklin, and Michael Bandy.
«Every game presents a distinct narrative, and every play has its own tale,» Nix elaborated. «I learned in college that you don’t secure victory with a single play or during a single quarter. It is about gradually piecing it together.
«Although it may seem messy at times, that isn’t what’s crucial. … There’s always a means to clinch a win, right from the outset to the finish. You need to navigate through it.»
