The Justin Jefferson play KOC says fans should 'put on repeat, over and over'

While the Denver Broncos entered their bye week at 9-2, second-year Denver quarterback Bo Nix produced a mixed bag of results over the team's first 11 games. 

On Wednesday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic noted that Nix ended Week 11 leading the NFL with five fourth-quarter comebacks, 387 pass attempts and a 3.01 sack percentage. For a different article published on Wednesday, ESPN's Jeff Legwold spoke with a longtime quarterbacks coach about Nix's overall lack of consistency throughout the fall. 

Why coach is concerned about what Bo Nix will offer 2025 Broncos

"They're winning and he's been really good late in games, and that's all that matters -- I know that," the coach said about the Broncos and Nix. "But big picture, I'd be concerned that they look hurried all the time even when they're not trying to play fast. I'm not there -- I don't know if they put more on his plate [than last year], but they look hurried, and not good hurried. And he plays that way after the snap sometimes, leaving-the-pocket-when-he-doesn't-have-to type thing. When he climbs [the pocket], it's not always looking for a play. It's more sudden, like 'Get me out of here.'"

ESPN stats show that the Broncos are responsible for the NFL's third-ranked defense in points (17.5) and yards allowed (274.4) per game. Denver is also tied for 16th with an average of 23.4 points scored per game and 17th with an average of 213.0 passing yards per contest. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Nix began Wednesday ranked 20th in the NFL among qualified players with a 53.5 adjusted QBR, 27th with an 86.1 passer rating, 28th with a 61.2 percent completion percentage and tied for seventh with 18 touchdown passes on the campaign. That said, only five quarterbacks have thus far tossed more interceptions than Nix (eight) this season. 

Why has Bo Nix sometimes looked uncomfortable outside of the final quarter of games?

Legwold mentioned that "several league offensive coaches and personnel executives" said that Nix's footwork "has been spottier this season than it was when he was a rookie." Such individuals added that "Nix appears to be uncomfortable with the pace of the offense, outside of the late-game drives when the team is in more of a hurry-up mode." 

Perhaps Broncos head coach Sean Payton will go to a hurry-up mode earlier than the fourth quarter when Denver plays at the struggling Washington Commanders (3-8) on Nov. 30. Washington will also be coming off a bye for that game.