Bo Nix’s Preseason Opener: Early Struggles, Long-Term Promise for Broncos

Bo Nix’s Preseason Debut: A Rocky Start, but the Story Isn’t Finished Yet

The Denver Broncos’ preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers had a little bit of everything — a slow start, a surprising turnaround, and plenty for the coaching staff to dissect in the film room. But the spotlight, as expected, was firmly fixed on second-year quarterback Bo Nix.

For Nix, Saturday evening was his first chance to step back onto the field and show Broncos fans why the franchise is investing in his development. Unfortunately, the debut didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet. Denver’s first-team offense stumbled out of the gate — and not in the “shake-off-the-rust” kind of way. Their first drive fizzled into a punt, and on the very next possession, disaster struck. Trapped deep in his own end zone, Nix drew an intentional grounding penalty that resulted in a safety.

By the end of his time under center, Nix’s numbers read: 6 completions on 11 attempts, 31 total yards, one field goal drive, and that costly safety. Not exactly the breakout performance some fans were hoping for. But it’s important to keep the context in mind: preseason football isn’t always about racking up stats.

“It’s Not Just Him” – Coach Sean Payton Puts It in Perspective

If you thought head coach Sean Payton was going to throw his young QB under the bus, think again. After the game, Payton made it clear that the struggles weren’t solely on Nix’s shoulders.

“It’s not just him,” Payton said when asked about Nix’s shaky outing. “The key is move the team, move the ball. We’ll look at that tape. There’ll be a play or two that I’m sure we can clean up.”

That’s classic Payton — quick to acknowledge areas for improvement without dampening a player’s confidence. He knows preseason is more about evaluating mechanics, decision-making, and game reaction than about the scoreboard.

Backup QB Jarrett Stidham Steps Up

While the first-team offense sputtered, the second-team offense brought some much-needed energy. Led by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, the Broncos took control in the second quarter and never looked back. Stidham’s poise and execution put Denver in front, and they cruised to a 30-9 victory over the Niners.

It was a reminder that the Broncos have some depth at the quarterback position — a safety net that could prove valuable if Nix needs time to find his rhythm when it really counts.

Nix on Preseason Mindset: “React to What You Get”

After the win, Nix faced the media and gave some insight into how he approaches games that don’t count in the standings.

“Well, it’s a different evaluation, but I still evaluate pretty tough,” Nix explained. “Obviously, there’s some things you can’t quite control for a preseason game. There’s a lot you don’t really know going into it, but my favorite part with the preseason is just reacting to what you get. Sometimes in the game you have to react because it’s not something you prepare for. That’s how you can treat a preseason. Just get out there and see things, react how you would on a play, and just take the ball where your eyes lead you.”

In other words, preseason is a learning lab — unpredictable looks, mismatched personnel, and situations you can’t fully prepare for. For Nix, it’s all about making quick reads, staying calm under pressure, and sharpening instincts for the regular season grind.

A Quick Look Ahead

Broncos fans won’t have to wait long to see Nix back in action. He’s expected to get more snaps in Denver’s upcoming preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Depending on how Payton decides to structure his rotations, it could be the last time Nix sees live action before the regular season.

After that, the real test begins: Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans on September 7. It’s a home opener, and with the Mile High crowd roaring, Nix will have a prime opportunity to make a statement.

The Preseason Reality Check

Preseason football often gets shrugged off as “meaningless,” but for players like Nix, it’s anything but. These games are pressure cookers in disguise. You may not be facing every opponent’s starting defense, but you’re also not working with your own full playbook. The unpredictability forces you to think on your feet.

Plus, the competition isn’t just on the scoreboard — it’s inside the locker room. Roster spots, depth chart positioning, and even starting jobs can hinge on preseason performances. That’s why Payton’s emphasis on “moving the ball” matters.

Nix’s Strengths — and the Areas That Need Work

While Saturday’s showing wasn’t jaw-dropping, there are a few positives to take away:

• Poise Under Pressure: Despite the safety, Nix didn’t completely unravel. He stuck to the game plan and avoided forcing high-risk throws.

• Quick Decision-Making: Even with limited yardage, his ability to make fast reads in certain situations showed growth from last season.

• Adaptability: As Nix himself pointed out, reacting to unplanned looks is key — and he got plenty of practice doing just that.

Where does he need to improve? Pocket awareness remains a work in progress, and finding ways to stretch the field with intermediate and deep throws will be crucial as the season unfolds.

Why Broncos Fans Shouldn’t Panic

Here’s the thing about preseason: it’s a snapshot, not the whole picture. Peyton Manning once threw three interceptions in a preseason game. Tom Brady’s first preseason stat line? Forgettable. In other words — early August struggles do not define a quarterback’s career.

Nix is only in his second year, still learning the pace and complexity of NFL defenses. Payton’s offense demands precision, and that takes time to master. The best-case scenario is that Saturday’s hiccups become valuable lessons that translate into better decision-making when the games start counting.

Key Takeaways from the Game

1. First-team offense needs more rhythm. Starting slow won’t cut it in the regular season.

2. Backup depth looks solid. Stidham’s performance proved the QB room has options.

3. Nix is still in development mode. That’s normal for a second-year quarterback — especially in a complex offensive system.

4. Sean Payton remains patient but focused. He’s not sugarcoating, but he’s not overreacting either.

5. The Broncos’ defense looks sharp. Holding the Niners to just nine points, even in preseason, is no small feat.

If you’re a Broncos fan, the main takeaway is simple: don’t let one rough start cloud the bigger picture. Bo Nix has the tools, the coaching staff has the patience, and the season is still weeks away from its true starting line.

Come Week 1 against the Titans, the scoreboard will reset, the playbook will open up, and the Mile High atmosphere will be electric. And who knows — that shaky preseason debut might end up being the spark that fuels Nix’s first real statement game in orange and blue.