Bo Nix has been named the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback, with coach Sean Payton committing his future to a rookie.
Sure, the preseason competition was downplayed, but Nix completed 23 of 35 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns and six scores in two preseason games. None of the 14 starting quarterbacks have produced anything like this since Peyton Manning retired in Super Bowl 50, giving Broncos fans a glimmer of hope.
Last year, fans who wanted quarterback Russell Wilson to use his pocket playmaking abilities to do more than just run games latched on to the phrase “let Russ do the cooking” coined by Seattle.
That outside-the-box style of play didn't sit well with Payton, and Wilson competed with fellow quarterback Justin Fields in Pittsburgh for the Steelers' No. 1 spot.
But it remains to be seen whether Payton treats Nix, the No. 6 quarterback with the 12th pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, like an executive chef or sous chef. The Broncos' offense ranked 26th last season.
“We want the decision (to start the Knicks) to play out naturally,” Payton said. “Most of the time, when you let that happen, you make the right decision. We're excited to see where Bo is, but there's a lot of room for growth here.
In five years in college, Nick started 61 games and threw for 15,351 yards and 113 touchdowns, setting an NCAA record and finishing with a 43-18 record. He began his career as a prodigal son at Auburn and later became a transfer darling at Oregon State. It's the most experienced resume of any of his rookie quarterback brothers, but he doesn't have the hardware of No. 1 overall pick and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. He also doesn't have the national championship that JJ McCarthy led Michigan to last season.
As the first rookie to play quarterback for the Broncos since John Elway in 1983, the Broncos are hoping their ever-spinning quarterback merry-go-round can finally come to a halt with the Knicks.
If Nick is able to shine in his rookie season, it may be thanks to two big-bodied playmakers at wide receiver. Courtland Sutton is 6-foot-4 and scored 10 touchdowns in 2023. 608 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Both could be a safety blanket for a rookie quarterback as he faces cover and NFL speed and size for the first time. Their presence makes Payton look like he wants Knicks to make plays with his arm.
During his 15 years as New Orleans head coach, Payton led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl 44 and had future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees making quick reads in an up-tempo offense. . So far, Nix looks more comfortable and better suited to the role than Wilson.
“A good quarterback is the perfect solution no matter where you are.” Payton says.
As Payton's tenure enters its second year, the Broncos have to hope for a smoother marriage between head coach and quarterback. When Wilson was named the Knicks' backup after June 1 and set a record $53 in dead-cap status, all was clear for the Knicks. And the story of potentially sitting on the bench for the final two games and ending up on the bench.
If Knicks isn't the executive chef Payton envisions, the coach could be in a very awkward position at the end of the season.