Broncos Called Out for ‘Unsustainable Formula’ With QB Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos might have one of the greatest defenses of all time in 2025. That’s not hyperbole. They have the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in cornerback Patrick Surtain II and the likely next NFL Defensive Player of the Year in edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The Broncos also have a real chance of breaking the NFL’s single season record for team sacks set by the 1984 Chicago Bears.
Winners of 7 consecutive games, the Broncos are now 8-2 with both of their losses coming in the last second of games in the first 3 weeks of the regular season.
The reason the Broncos aren’t undefeated falls almost squarely on the shoulders of second year quarterback Bo Nix, who has seen his sophomore campaign picked apart in the national media.
The Athletic’s Mike Sando put Nix in the category of “Too early to say, but there’s been good with the bad” in his NFL QB tiers alongside Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Sando also points out that the Broncos might have a limited ceiling with Nix under center.
“The Broncos have won seven consecutive games with a mixture of defense and fourth-quarter heroics from Nix and the offense,” Sando wrote on Thursday, November 13.”It’s an unsustainable formula that is temporarily tabling more consequential discussions regarding Nix’s trajectory. The quarterback’s year-over-year efficiency has declined by almost every measure except for sack rate, which was already low. It’s looking like next season will be defining for Nix’s trajectory with the Broncos.”
Nix Has Trouble Connecting on Deep Throws
Nix’s play at the end of his rookie year in 2024 encouraged the Broncos and their fans he could take the momentum of leading the team to the playoffs for the first time in 9 years and spin it forward to 2025. That just hasn’t happened.
While Nix has been spectacular at times — mostly late in games — he’s been a frustrating player to watch the rest of the time.
The biggest problem, if we’re going to single one thing out, has been deep, downfield throws. Nix seems to be lacking the accuracy we’ve seen from other 2024 first round picks like New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
That’s too bad, because his struggles start to reflect poorly on what’s probably an underrated group of wide receivers led by Courtland Sutton and with young talent like second year wide receiver Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant trailing not far behind.
Big Money at Stake for Broncos, Nix in 2026
Nix will be playing for big money in 2026, if he isn’t already. That’s when he’s eligible for his first big-time contract extension. Depending on how he plays over the rest of the year and next year, there could be a wild variation to what that amount ends up being.
Right now, Nix would probably be in line for a deal that would probably pay him in the range of $50 million to $60 million per year.
If he continues his current path of regression, it’s not hard to see the Broncos lowballing him along the lines of $30 million to $40 million per year, if not just outright parting ways with him after 2027.
NFL Legend Jon Batiste Unexpectedly Defends Geno Smith Amid Intense Backlash: “What’s Happening to Geno Smith Is an Injustice to Football” – His Statement Immediately Sends Raiders Nation Into an Uproar
Las Vegas, Nevada – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Geno Smith’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. Renowned musician Jon Batiste, a figure not typically associated with the Las Vegas Raiders, has become an unlikely champion for Smith at a time when the veteran signal-caller's future with the Raiders hangs in the balance.
Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of Raiders fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the Raiders back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Smith’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Smith’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Jon Batiste, the larger-than-life musician who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Smith, Batiste expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Geno Smith is an injustice to football,” Batiste declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this man has battled back from the brink of obscurity, proven himself time and time again, and now faces unjust scrutiny. You don’t judge a warrior just because he’s faced setbacks.”
Batiste’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Smith from Raiders fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Batiste for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Smith’s resilience, his journey from backup to Pro Bowler, and his unwavering commitment to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Batiste’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Smith’s return, his injury, and the team’s playoff hopes, Batiste’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with Raiders Nation rallying behind Smith, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and leadership.
As Batiste aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Smith’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Smith’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The Raiders will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Batiste’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Batiste’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of Raiders Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Geno Smith. The rest, as they say, will be history.
