‘We’re going to bounce back from it’: QB Bo Nix battles in first NFL start, gives Broncos a chance late
SEATTLE — For a moment, it seemed rookie quarterback Bo Nix might have packed a little Mile High Magic for his first NFL start.
With 2:09 to play in the fourth quarter, Nix scrambled into the end zone from four yards out to cut the Seattle lead to 26-20 and give Denver a final chance.
While the Seahawks put the game away with an impressive Tyler Lockett grab, Nix still gave the Broncos a chance on a day that featured its share of struggles.
“It was a challenge for sure, to say the least,” Nix said after the game. “I thought they were a really good defense. I thought they played well in their scheme. I thought they rallied to the football. It was tough to get some explosive plays, and I think when you have a hard time getting explosives and you have to sustain drives, it can get you in third-and-long and just tough situations. Overall, I think as poorly as we did, I think we gave ourselves a chance to win there at the end. Our special teams and defense played incredible. They really kept us in the game and gave us hope. They battled.
think, overall, you like the compete [level] of our team. You like the look of [how] we never quit. We battled. It could’ve gotten out of hand, but it didn’t, and we were a possession away from having a chance, essentially. Obviously not the original results you want, but I feel like we’re going to have a confident group, and we’re going to bounce back from it and continue to compete.”
Nix completed 26-of-42 passes for 138 yards, two interceptions and a 47.5 quarterback rating while also being sacked twice, but Head Coach Sean Payton came away impressed with the way his quarterback handled his first start.
“I thought he seemed calm, poised,” Payton said. “I felt that part of it — I felt like he was very comfortable and ready.”
Payton also noted the need for the Broncos to play better around Nix. Payton pointed to several dropped passes — he said he implored the receiving corps on the sideline to get going — and a run game that was “not nearly good enough” as places where Denver needs to improve. The Broncos’ head coach also said the team’s protection was “average at best” and credited Nix for making things happen with his legs.
“I thought he was into it,” Payton said. “I never felt like it was too big or confusing. He was sharp. I thought he actually extended some plays with his feet. And again, we’ll look at the tape, but we have to be better around him.
