Bo Nix Called ‘NFL’s Worst Quarterback’ Following Week 1 Broncos Win
The Denver Broncos second year quarterback began 2025 with a performance to forget in a 20-12 home win over the lowly Tennessee Titans, turning the ball over 3 times and looking generally lost running his own offense.
Nix finished 25-of-40 passing for 176 yards, 2 interceptions and 1 lost fumble — bad enough that he was one of just a handful of quarterbacks to be given an “F’ grade from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski in Week 1.
“Bo Nix turned into a pleasant surprise after being the sixth first-round quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft,” Sobleski wrote on September 9. “He was an ideal fit for Sean Payton’s offense and a mature prospect, which led to an easier transition compared to most. At the start of Year 2, though, Nix didn’t look nearly as comfortable and had to rely heavily on his defense to get the job done against a Tennessee Titans team not expected to do much this season. Three turnovers, while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt, won’t be enough against much better opponents.”
Luckily for the Broncos and Nix, “much better opponents” are still a few weeks away — the Broncos travel to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
Nix was one of just 3 quarterbacks out of 32 to receive an “F” grade in Week 1 alongside Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and New York Giants quarterback and former Bronco Russell Wilson — Nix was also the only one of the 3 to walk away with a win.
Reminiscent of Nix’s Week 4 Rookie Performance
While not sinking to the same depths, Nix’s Week 1 performance in 2025 harkened back to his Week 4 performance as a rookie in 2024 in a 10-9 win over the New York Jets.
That game, Nix went 12-of-25 passing for 60 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions as the Broncos went 3-of-14 on third downs. It was Nix’s first career touchdown pass.
“… Courtland Sutton caught three passes for 60 yards,” Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Phillips wrote after the game. “That means that Nix’s nine completions to six other receivers combined to total zero yards. Remarkable. Nix started the game 7-of-15 for -7 yards. So he averaged -1 yards on his first seven completions. Nix did run the ball five times but only gained three yards. That’s 0.6 yards per carry. Overall, he had 63 total yards on 28 touches, which is 2.3 yards per play. Yikes.”
Broncos Snapped 9-Year Playoff Drought in 2024
The Broncos and Nix ended their 9-year playoff drought in 2024 and bring back arguably the NFL’s best defense in 2025 as they try to make the postseason in consecutive years.
Nix started all 17 games as a rookie and finished third in NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Nix was the last of a record-tying 6 quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft at No. 12 overall — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams went No. 1 overall, Daniels at No. 2, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye at No. 3, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall.
All 6 quarterbacks started Week 1 of the 2025 season as their team’s starter. Only McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus, failed to start a game in 2024.
Detroit Lions Release Hometown Linebacker, Veteran Retires Hours Later
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions announced roster adjustments on Tuesday, but the move unexpectedly turned into the end of a local career. What began as a practice squad shuffle ended in an emotional retirement.
The franchise initially revealed the release of a familiar figure, opening roster space for new additions at linebacker and offensive line. What appeared to be a routine transaction quickly shifted into something far more significant.
That player was linebacker Anthony Pittman, a Detroit native who entered the league with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Known for his work ethic, he played 51 games primarily on special teams.
Pittman’s journey was defined by perseverance. After short stints with Washington and Jacksonville, he returned home late last season. Elevated for Week 1 against Green Bay, he logged 21 snaps on special teams in the opener.
Detroit Lions Release Anthony Pittman, Sign LB to Practice Squad pic.twitter.com/Ofq7Tzcqv9
— Adam Schetfer (@fanhub_nfl) September 10, 2025
Twelve hours after learning of his release, Pittman announced his retirement from football. “I gave everything to this game, especially here in my city. Now it’s time to start the next chapter of my life,” he said.
In his place, the Lions signed offensive lineman Devin Cochran and linebacker Monty Rice. Cochran, standing 6-foot-7, brings size and versatility after three seasons with Cincinnati. Rice offers experience, tallying 128 career tackles since entering the league in 2021.
For Detroit, the changes reflect ongoing roster adjustments early in the season. For Pittman, the move closed the book on a seven-year journey that began in his hometown and ended with a fitting, if bittersweet, goodbye.
