Bo Nix’s rookie season was better than the peak of many NFL quarterbacks. However, that doesn’t stop expectations in their tracks.
The 2024 season was a year to remember for Bo Nix. It began with the conclusion of his college career and the beginning of his time in the NFL.
Early on, he had few on his side as a member of the Denver Broncos. Sean Payton had just ended the Russell Wilson experiment, and Nix’s place as the last first-round quarterback wasn’t the biggest vote of confidence.
However, despite that, Nix was a OROY finalist and took his team to the playoffs. Denver had not been to the January dance since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015-16 season until Nix arrived.
Now, with a new rookie and Broncos free agency class essentially finalized for Sean Payton’s team, the attention turns to Nix to make lemonade.
Bo Nix receives first dose of pressure
Speaking on an April 30 edition of NFL Live, insider Adam Schefter spelled out what the Broncos have done for Bo Nix before setting the tone for the 2025 season.
“I think the organization felt like they needed to add more offensive firepower. So what are the Broncos do in free agency? They go out and grab and sign Evan Engram, who was a weapon in Jacksonville when he was healthy. They go into the draft and use a second-round draft pick on running back RJ Harvey,” he said.
He added: “They get Bo Nix another weapon. They get him the semblance of a run game. … I think if you’re going to speak to the people in the Broncos organization, his growth should be that much greater in a second year when he’s surrounded by more weapons than he had during his rookie season in Denver.”
Nix impressed with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his first season in the NFL, going 10-7 in his maiden voyage.
Bo Nix has turned heads in the NFL in his first year, will he do so in his second year?
There’s pressure on Sean Payton, too
While the pressure is placed largely on Bo Nix in 2025 to prove his run in 2024 wasn’t a fluke, there’s also pressure on Sean Payton.
If the offense looks sluggish and lacks creativity, the haul of offensive weapons like Evan Engram puts Payton in the spotlight as well.
Of course, Nix likely would disproportionately be hit harder, but as a coach with a suddenly enviable roster, this isn’t exactly a team looking for their first big break.
The expectations are higher in 2025, and the incoming talent has created them. Will both Nix and Payton rise to the challenge?
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