ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The rookie quarterback leading the 2024 draft class into November isn't Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels, the top two selections in April whose epic showdown in Week 8 saw each lead touchdown drives in the final 25 seconds.
It's Denver QB Bo Nix, who was named the AFC's Offensive Rookie of the Month on Thursday, quite a rebound from his rough September.
Nix had a stellar October in which he led the Broncos (5-3) to three blowouts and their best start through eight games in eight years. His five wins have already surpassed the four by John Elway (1983) and Drew Lock (2019) for most victories by a rookie QB in Broncos history.
Nix led all rookie passers in October in touchdown throws (seven), TD-to-interception ratio (7-1), passing yards (870) and rushing touchdowns (two). He helped the Broncos recover from an 0-2 start with five wins in their last six games.
He's making huge strides — and not just in his scrambling prowess — after getting off to a slow start in which he threw four interceptions in the first two weeks and didn't have a touchdown pass until Week 4.
While he's still refining his footwork, timing and throwing mechanics, Nix is showing a maturity that defies his rookie status but confirms coach Sean Payton's contention that Nix wasn't a typical rookie QB after starting a combined 61 games at Auburn and Oregon, a record for a college quarterback.
That maturity doesn't just show up on game day, but during the week, when Nix, who's 24, looks and acts like he's been in the league for a while.
“Yes, I think so," Payton said. “He is very much routine driven. Of course, he’s married. So aside from game day, his schedule here with film — I think he’s further along. I think I said this after the draft process, we viewed it as a plus that he had that experience. We also viewed the adversity that he had early on that he came back from.”
Consider this: Nix, the sixth QB selected in 2024, started 48 more games in college than Colts QB Anthony Richardson, the third QB selected in 2023 and fourth overall draft pick last year. Richardson was benched this week with a 44% completion percentage and an eyebrow-raising tap-out Sunday because he was tired.
Payton said this week that Nix's 61 college starts “was a plus,” but what really won the Broncos over was “the accuracy, the arm strength, the arm talent, the location and he runs a little better than I expected.”
That's not the first time Payton has mentioned Nix's rushing prowess. The Broncos didn't have Nix run for them during his team visit, but his 259 yards rushing and four TD runs have added a welcome wrinkle to Denver's game plans.
Nix downplays his athleticism, suggesting he needs to become a better thrower to be called a legitimate dual-threat QB and he scoffed Wednesday when a reporter suggested he has similar rushing statistics to the Ravens' two-time MVP, Lamar Jackson (502 yards, two TDs), heading into Sunday's showdown at Baltimore (5-3).
“If I try to do what Lamar would do, I wouldn’t be here,” Nix said. “He’s special when it comes to not only running the ball — he’s well-known for his explosive runs — but he’s a full qualified quarterback in the pocket. He does some really good things with his arm.”
“It’s going to be fun to see him,” added Nix, who went to watch him in high school when Louisville played Clemson, “and he was electric in that one, too. I’m excited to play against him on the same level. It’s still crazy I get to play against these guys."
Nix said he can't help but keep up with all the QBs drafted ahead of him at No. 12: Williams, Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy, who's on IR.
“It’s fun to see all of our growth, it’s fun to watch other guys,” he said.
Being the sixth QB drafted this year neither bothers him nor drives him.
“Ultimately, I landed right where I needed to be,” Nix said. “It’s a great fit for both of us. I couldn’t be happier with how it ended up. I learn from Coach Payton a lot each and every game we go into together.”
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Arnie Stapleton, The Associated Press
