Bo Nix has already made history, but only in Denver. Now, the Broncos are hoping that, by golly, he can make some more.
Nix was named the Broncos' starting quarterback by coach Sean Payton on Wednesday — making Nix the first rookie starter on Day One since the always-amazing John Elway. For the record, Elway started his first game as a rookie in 1983, more than 40 years ago.
"Nix and Jarrett Stidham met Wednesday before practice with Payton, who informed the two quarterbacks of the decision," wrote Jeff Legwold of ESPN. "Nix had taken most of the snaps with the starting offense last week, including during Friday's joint practice against the Green Bay Packers.
"Nix then started Sunday's preseason game against the Packers, finishing 8-of-9 passing for 80 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos' 27-2 victory at Empower Field at Mile High. In two preseason appearances, Nix led the Broncos on scoring drives in six of the seven possessions he played."
Basically, he's impressed at every opportunity.
"The Broncos had multiple first downs in every one of Nix's drives, largely against defensive reserves for both the Indianapolis Colts and the Packers," Legwold wrote.
Nix also beat out Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick acquired by the Broncos from the New York Jets this offseason. Some suspected Wilson had the inside track at the time of the trade. Now, it seems, he may be No. 3 on the depth chart.
Denver finished 8-9 in Payton's first season at the helm last year. They haven't made the NFL playoffs since 2016 — a major drought for a once-proud franchise.
