American Football
Bo Nix predicted to lose Denver Broncos' starting QB job in 2027: Fair assessment or an overreaction?
Watch the NFL on DAZN (ex. US, China)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is coming off a promising rookie season and enters 2025 as the unquestioned starter, with hopes high for a deep postseason run.
Why, then, do some quarters believe the youngster may lose the starting job in the next few years? DAZN News' Jason Abbey explains.
The argument against Nix
Nix has received criticism from some quarters because they believe he should have performed better with the talent surrounding him on Denver's offense.
A shaky practice in recent weeks unfairly fuelled suggestions that he could experience a sophomore slump.
Nix hasn't shied away from the fact that he hasn't been perfect.
Others have doubted his ability to deliver on the biggest stage, after completing only 13 of 22 passes and one touchdown in the Wild Card Round against a Buffalo Bills defense that struggled mightily against other teams.
The argument for Nix
In only his rookie year, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix led his team to their first playoff appearance in nine years, ranking first among all rookie passers in passing touchdowns - even eclipsing 2024 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels in that category.
The 25-year-old was also a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and was a Pro Bowl alternate selection.
At one point in the season, Nix was even in the conversation for the best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
By nearly every measure, it was an outstanding performance, especially for a rookie, and one that stirred excitement even among the most pessimistic Broncos fans.
His head coach, Sean Payton, is an offensive mastermind and one of the most respected coaches in the league. He won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints, ranks ninth among all active head coaches with a .618 winning record, and is a former winner of the 2006 AP Coach of the Year Award.
Receiving the backing of such an auspicious coach matters, especially when said coach names Nix in the top 10 quarterbacks in the league.
My take
The criticism isn’t entirely unjustified, but it overlooks the fact that Nix was a rookie. First-year players often need time to adjust to the NFL, and that’s particularly true at one of the most cerebral positions in the game.
The Broncos' offense will continue to get better. The ground game has been overhauled, with talented second-round rookie R.J. Harvey and 2024 comeback kid J.K. Dobbins leading the way.
Evan Engram provides Nix with the accomplished tight end that was sorely missing last year, and the addition of rookie Pat Bryant should help a wide receiver group that has been inconsistent during Nix's tenure.
Yes, the Broncos’ offensive line isn't getting any younger, but at just 27 years old and now the clear standout of the unit, Quinn Meinerz is an exceptional player and the anchor of a group the team will surely refresh with young talent as veterans like Garrett Bolles near the end of their prime.
Bottom line: I believe Nix will remain the Broncos’ starter through 2027 and beyond. His future looks bright.
Watch the full NFL season on DAZN
Get every game of the NFL season, including the preseason, regular season, playoffs, and Super Bowl, with NFL Game Pass on DAZN.
