Former Executive Delivers Reality Check After Broncos QB Bo Nix Raises Eyebrows

Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos got off to a rough start in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. That slow start led head coach Sean Payton to push the 1s past his anticipated limit, but former NFL executive Louis Riddick lauded Nix later in the game.

Nix ended the contest with 110 yards and 1 touchdown on 10-of-14 passing.

One play in particular, Nix’s 43-yard completion to Courtland Sutton, raised eyebrows on social media. It also got the attention of Riddick, who is now an analyst for ESPN.

“Bo Nix making that move…looks in total comfort zone,” Riddick posted on X on August 23, later following it up with a reality check for the second-year passer’s detractors. “Remember when Bo Nix’s age was held against him as a detriment to his pro potential…”

“Some say some really dumb s*** about what are precursors to success and what isn’t,” Riddick said in response to a fan who noted that critiques of Nix often mentioned beneficial items.

Nix set various passing records for the Broncos as a rookie.Nix also led them to their first postseason berth since 2015, when Peyton Manning was still the Broncos’ starting quarterback. The Broncos have underscored their faith in Nix, surrounding him with an even better supporting cast in his second season.Nix also led them to their first postseason berth since 2015, when Peyton Manning was still the Broncos’ starting quarterback. The Broncos have underscored their faith in Nix, surrounding him with an even better supporting cast in his second season.

Bo Nix Shakes Off Slow Start vs Saints

Payton said after practice on Thursday that he anticipated Nix and the Broncos’ starters getting “eight to 10” plays against the Saints. But after a couple of rough possessions, Payton sent the 1s back out onto the field.

In the first series, Nix went 0-for-2 passing, and the Broncos lost two yards in three plays.

Their second was better, with Nix going 6-for-8 for, including a back-shoulder throw to Sutton on fourth down.

But that drive resulted in a field goal. Payton put Nix and Co. back on the field for one more series. That one resulted in the QB finding Sutton for a touchdown. The Broncos wrapped the preseason 3-0 with wins over the Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.

Nix’s preseason ends with 141 yards, 1 TD, 0 interceptions on 64.0% completion and 0 sacks taken in two starts for the Broncos.

Bo Nix Gets Honest About Courtland Sutton

Sutton has been in Nix’s corner since the Broncos drafted the QB No. 12 overall in the 2024 draft, and he produced his first 1,000-yard season since 2019 with the former Oregon Ducks star at the helm in 2024.

Sutton finished the game on Saturday with four receptions for 83 yards and 1 TD. He had one catch for 2 yards in the preseason coming into the contest.

Nix spoke glowingly about Sutton after the win over the Saints.

“Well, he means a lot [to us],” Nix said of Sutton, per DenverBroncos.com’s Aric DiLalla on August 23. “He’s a veteran for this team. He has a lot of experience. He’s a great receiver. … He just goes out there and competes. That’s all you really want to ask for [from] a receiver, is a guy that will go out there and give you his all and compete, and he does it at a high level. Been doing it a long time. He’s going to continue to do it this year and beyond.”

The Broncos rewarded Sutton with a four-year, $92 million contract extension in July, ensuring that they will benefit from his connection with Nix for the foreseeable future.

Sport