The Denver Broncos downed the Kansas City Chiefs, 22-19, in Week 11. And now, quarterback Bo Nix is getting his flowers. In his second year, there’s no fall off. The question was whether Nix’s Year 2 struggles were growing pains or him reaching his ceiling. After Week 11, it’s the former. The Chiefs’ defense allows the seventh-fewest total yards per game, including allowing the 11th-fewest passing yards per game. So, Nix is legit.
Why the League Is High on Bo Nix
NFL.com’s Nick Shook published his Week 12 QB Rankings on Thursday. After having Nix ranked No. 25 in Week 11, Shook moved the former up nine slots(!). In fact, Nix is now in the same tier as Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts.
“Bo Nix finally put together a nearly complete game! Denver won an AFC West struggle by complementing a stiff defense with an offense that wasn’t afraid to air it out. Nix avoided significant mistakes, spread the ball around and made some key throws to push the Broncos to victory. We’ll see if it’s the start of something special,” Shook wrote.
Shook’s comments come on the heels of Kay Adams saying Nix “had his best game.” Indeed, Nix aired the ball out, establishing the pass. The Broncos’ offense called 10 passes compared to three runs on their opening drive in Week 11. Kicker Will Lutz, meanwhile, made a 29-yard field goal to cap off the 14-play, 54-yard drive that lasted seven minutes and 24 seconds. It was a statement drive by Nix that he was taking control of the AFC West.
While Nix moved up nine slots, Hurts sank seven slots. Both quarterbacks are running parallel to each other in opposite directions. Shook continued.
“Jalen Hurts does not deserve to fall this far based on his effort, but this offense is stuck in a bad place right now and he’s not lifting the Eagles out of it. I couldn’t blame them for being frustrated with the current state of affairs, nor would I bristle at any discontent with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. This group needs to do some soul searching before the stretch run begins,” Shook wrote.
It’ll be interesting to see for football guys how both quarterbacks end up playing over the second half of the season. Hurts is No. 8 in PFSN’s QB Impact Score, while Nix is No. 17. Hurts, though, was No. 28 in PFSN’s QB Impact Score for Week 11, while Nix was No. 12. Nix’s rise will be televised.
