After Week 11, the Denver Broncos are 9-2 and the No. 1 seed in the AFC Conference. Denver is subtly shifting to an aggressive pass-first team. Quarterback Bo Nix has attempted 35-plus passes in two of his last three games, which were not dictated by game script. And in addition, Denver averages the 13th-most team pass plays per game, so they’re on the doorstep of a potent passing offense.
Bo Nix on Converting Third Downs
After downing the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19 in Week 11, Nix spoke to the media. He discussed converting third downs, among other topics.
Nix said, “Well, we actually called the same play three or four times I think. We hit, I guess, two or three different receivers on the play. [WR] Troy [Franklin]’s long catch was great. [WR] Courtland [Sutton] had two intermediate catches that were off the same play. We just found some stuff that was working and our guys were getting open. At the end of the day, third down and third-and-long is all about windows and timing.”
Nix, No. 17 in PFSN’s QB Impact Score, is due for a ranking update after Week 11. Heading into Week 11, the question was, is Nix going through growing pains, or is he reaching his ceiling? Nix, coming off back-to-back sub-70 passer rating games, proved it was the former. In Week 11, he threw for 295 yards against a Texans-like defense that he played in Week 9.
Coming into Week 11, the Chiefs allowed the sixth-fewest yards per game, including the 11th-fewest passing yards per game. Nix, though, was sensational. His numbers are below.
Nix’s passing stat line: 24-of-37 for 295 yards, eight yards per attempt, and a 89.4 passer rating.
While seven of 15 on third downs, Nix converted key third downs and, more importantly, secured the win for the Broncos.
He completed a 21-yard pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton on a third down in the first quarter. Later in the game, Nix found wide receiver Troy Franklin for 35 yards on a third and eight as well. Rookie running back RJ Harvey, meanwhile, caught an 11-yard pass on third and two, then Nix found Sutton for 20 yards on third and 15 to convert a first down.
The Broncos have a bye in Week 12, then play the Washington Commanders in Week 13. That’ll be the next time Broncos fans can watch Nix air it out.