WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — It is hard for Sean Payton to make novel discoveries when watching film. After spending the last 40 years either playing or coaching the sport, there isn’t much the Broncos coach hasn’t seen happen in a football game.
That’s why Payton was so taken aback early in the spring as he watched film of quarterback prospect Bo Nix. While poring over some of Nix’s plays at Oregon, he came across a Houdini escape that defied reason. Payton watched the play again. And again.
“The guard was blocking a three–technique (defensive lineman), and he kind of climbed and he actually slipped under between the guard and the three–technique, came out the other side and threw it,” Payton said during training camp. “I just had never seen that ever happen. It was the first time I ever saw it in my life where the quarterback kind of ducked between the rusher and the blocker and kind of came out the other end.”
The play was an example of the improvisational athleticism that made Nix the country’s top dual-threat quarterback as he entered college in 2019. Nix doesn’t typically search for a sliver of daylight between opposing players, but that same feel for when to run and where to go has added a unique element to Denver’s offense early this season, particularly when the escapes turn Nix into a ball carrier. The rookie’s 107 rushing yards are the most by a Denver quarterback through three games since at least 2000, according to TruMedia. It is nearly double the previous high mark in that span, which came last season when Russell Wilson rushed for 57 yards in the opening three games.
Nix for six!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Hprvnrlnov
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 22, 2024
The Broncos may not have predicted Nix would be their leading rusher at this point in the season, but his production hasn’t come by accident.
“I think it’s something that’s always been in the plans,” Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Thursday as the Broncos finished a rainy practice at The Greenbrier resort. “Some games they force you to go get it; some games they give you opportunity to pull him to get some yards. He’s an athletic guy. I think we’re always aware that whether it’s on design runs, read runs or scrambling off a pass, it definitely gives the defense something more to worry about.”
As the Broncos prepare for Sunday’s game against the Jets, one of the league’s most aggressive teams at pressuring quarterbacks, Nix’s legs serve as an intriguing subplot. Six of the eight designed runs Payton has called for Nix this season came in last week’s 26-7 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On a fourth-and-1 play at the end of the first quarter, the Buccaneers pinched inside, protecting against the quarterback sneak up the “A” gap. At the snap, Nix paused ever so slightly, allowing the defense to crash toward the middle, then plunged off left tackle for a 3-yard gain. Later, on a third-and-3 near midfield, Nix read blitzing safety Jordan Whitehead crash down from the edge toward Jaleel McLaughlin as Nix faked a handoff to the running back. The rookie pulled the ball and darted into the vacated real estate on the right side for an 8-yard gain and a first down.
“There’s two ways he can end up running,” Payton said the day after the win in Tampa Bay. “He can scramble on a pass play, and then he’s got to be smart. Or he can be involved in the run game plan. There’s not as much control on the ‘A.’ The ‘B,’ there is a little bit more control relative to what we’re doing that week and who we’re playing.”
An example from the “A” category came in the third quarter Sunday with the Broncos driving near midfield. On third-and-3, Nix ran to his right, trying to set up for a big shot back to the other side of the field for Courtland Sutton. But just as Nix was about to release, he sensed the backside pressure from fast-closing linebacker Anthony Nelson. Nix crouched and evaded Nelson’s swinging arm, then darted back to the left side of the field. Once he turned upfield, Nix turned on the speed and picked up 22 yards.
“I’ve always used the escapability and used my skill set to my advantage,” Nix said. “When you’re younger, you can kind of play with it and see what you can get away with and all that kind of stuff. At times, it can also get you in trouble because you miss a few reads and you get to scrambling or escaping too soon. I feel like the right timing — there’s always a progression, and then you just feel it and it’s time to go. Sometimes you do it right and sometimes you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I had gotten out sooner,’ or, ‘I wish I would’ve hung on that route a little bit longer.’ When it works right and you’re doing it well, it’s good to see and it’s efficient for the offense.”
Lombardi said the staff has been pleased with Nix’s decision-making as a runner this season. The offensive coordinator said there are times Nix could slide feet first instead of diving forward but added: “I don’t think he’s done anything reckless. I’ve been very pleased.”
If the Broncos are going to mitigate the intense pressure the Jets’ pass rush has produced this season, Nix’s running ability may have to play a role. Runs like his keep around the end after pulling the ball from McLaughlin could help Denver’s run game by preventing ends from overpursuing. His scrambling ability could also force defenders to make tougher choices in coverage.
A bit of advice for Nix, though: If one of the Broncos’ interior offensive linemen is engaged in a block with star Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, maybe don’t try splitting the gap this time.
News and notes
• A heavy, driving rain Friday in West Virginia altered plans for the Broncos’ final practice of the week. The team was driven inside for a walk-through practice at the indoor tennis complex inside the resort.
“A little audible,” Payton said. “It’s part of the deal. I kind of like it. It was good. I didn’t realize they had this facility.”
Wide receiver Josh Reynolds said he’s done a walk-through on a basketball court and a hotel ballroom during his time in the NFL. But Friday’s arrangement was new.
“First time on a tennis court,” Reynolds said with a laugh.
• Reynolds said he has been dealing with tendinitis in his Achilles since the end of training camp. He was limited in practice Wednesday but participated fully Thursday and Friday.
“It’ll flare up every once in a while, but ultimately it’s solid,” he said.
• Linebacker Cody Barton said he’ll be the one relaying play calls to Denver’s defense in place of Alex Singleton, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear Sunday. Barton, a free-agent signing of the Broncos in the offseason, previously had those “green dot” duties with the Commanders and Seahawks.
“It’s not new to me,” Barton said. “I feel comfortable calling it. It’s nothing crazy.”
• Safety JL Skinner (ankle) is listed as out for Sunday’s game. The rest of the active roster is available.
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(Photo: Mike Carlson / Getty Images)
