A Thanksgiving Tale of Football, Critics, and a Quarterback on the Rise
Thanksgiving—the time for turkey, mashed potatoes, family dysfunction, and unfiltered confessions. For the past eight years, however, the holiday carried a cloud for anyone daring to talk Broncos football. It wasn't just the food coma—it was the quarterback discussions that turned into a conversational minefield.
No matter how festive the vibe, bringing up Denver's signal-caller felt like summoning a horror villain scarier than Michael Myers or Pennywise. The emotions? Raw. The optimism? Drained. The mood? Instantly killed by a lineup of 13 quarterbacks who ranged from mediocre to downright dreadful.
So, who’s threatening the holiday vibe now? The anti-Bo Nix brigade.
Why the Hate for Bo Nix?
Seriously, what gives? After nearly a decade of searching for someone—anyone—to lead the Broncos, Bo Nix finally arrives, and instead of cheers, we get jeers. If you're holding onto skepticism because of post-Peyton Manning trust issues, I get it. But let's be real: this rookie has earned a shot at your respect.
Over the last 10 games, Nix has been nothing short of electric. We’re talking 20 touchdowns (16 passing, 3 rushing, 1 receiving) against only two turnovers. These aren’t just "decent" stats—they're historic. According to CBS Sports, the only quarterbacks in the past decade to match or beat this stat line are Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes. That’s Hall of Fame company, folks.
Yet, instead of appreciation, we hear criticisms: "His footwork’s inconsistent," "He struggles against man coverage," or my personal favorite, "Russell Wilson would be better."
Wait—what?
The Rookie Numbers Speak for Themselves
Let’s get one thing straight. Bo Nix isn’t just putting up solid rookie numbers; he’s delivering performances we haven’t seen in years. His recent five-game stretch has been a masterclass in precision and playmaking:
- 716 yards on passes of 10+ yards, with 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a QB rating of 126.9.
- Four games with 70%+ completion rates, at least 2 touchdowns, and no picks—a feat no Broncos QB has accomplished since Peyton Manning.
And the “he can’t throw downfield” argument? Please. Over the past few games, Nix has delivered darts—tight-window throws between defenders and perfectly placed deep balls to Courtland Sutton and Devaughn Vele. Whether from the pocket or off-script, the kid is making plays.
A Rough Start and a Coach’s Redemption
It wasn’t all sunshine and touchdowns from the beginning. Sean Payton initially put Nix through the wringer, overwhelming him with complex schemes and endless dropbacks. But after two rocky losses, they found common ground.
Payton adapted, recognizing Nix’s athleticism and fiery competitiveness. The turning point? That fiery sideline exchange on October 6, where Nix yelled at Payton—a move that might have rattled other coaches but earned Payton’s respect. From that moment, it became clear: Bo Nix wasn’t just another rookie. He was the guy.
Remember the Pre-Nix Days?
Let’s rewind for a moment to the dark days before Nix. Remember Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, Case Keenum, Joe Flacco, or Teddy Bridgewater? How about Brandon Allen struggling against the wind or Paxton Lynch showing up late to meetings?
In those days, Broncos fans would’ve dreamed of the stats Nix is putting up right now. And yet, here we are, with some fans and analysts refusing to acknowledge his progress. It’s baffling.
The Russell Wilson Debate
Now, let’s address the Russell Wilson elephant in the room. Yes, Wilson made some highlight-reel plays last season, but the Broncos were a mess in critical situations—awful in the red zone and abysmal in goal-to-go scenarios.
Payton saw the writing on the wall. Wilson’s improvisational style, coupled with 45 sacks in 15 games, wasn’t sustainable. By October, the coach was done, choosing to absorb a staggering $53 million dead cap hit this season and another $32 million next year to move on.
Would you have preferred waiting until next season, gambling on a draft class full of uncertainties? Payton didn’t. He bet on Bo Nix, and so far, that bet is paying off.
Why the Reluctance to Cheer for Nix?
Here’s the thing: rooting for Nix doesn’t mean blind fandom or ignoring his flaws. He’s not perfect. He’ll have bad games. But if you’re still tearing him down despite the numbers, you’re revealing more about yourself than him.
The reluctance to embrace Nix often feels personal—whether it’s lingering distrust in Payton’s decisions, disdain for the rookie himself, or an unwillingness to admit you were wrong. Whatever the reason, it’s time to let it go.
Looking Ahead
Bo Nix isn’t just a good rookie quarterback; he’s the future. He’s shown resilience, leadership, and a knack for rising to the moment. The Broncos finally have a player who can win games, throw more touchdowns than interceptions, and give fans a reason to believe again.
So, as you sit down this Thanksgiving, consider this: the Broncos haven’t had it this good under center since Peyton Manning. If you’re still doubting, maybe the problem isn’t Nix—it’s you.
Now pass the turkey, and let’s enjoy the game.
Login