Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix could still overcome uninspiring debut

Denver's Bo Nix looked overwhelmed in his debut against the Seahawks on Sunday, but that doesn't mean it's time to write off the Broncos rookie quarterback.

"Even Hall of Fame quarterbacks often struggle in their rookie debuts," wrote ESPN's Bill Barnwell. "John Elway went 1-of-8 for 14 yards with an interception. Peyton Manning threw three picks on 37 passes. Troy Aikman was 17-of-35 for 180 yards in a shutout loss. Joe Montana was 5-of-12 for 36 yards before giving way to Steve DeBerg."

Texans QB C.J. Stroud — the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year — also proved a young QB can turn things around after an unimpressive debut. In a 25-9 loss to the Ravens in Week 1 last season, Stroud completed 28-of-44 passes for 242 yards, posting a below-average 32.7 QBR.

Still, Nix must improve. In a 26-20 loss to Seattle, the 24-year-old completed 26-of-42 passes for 138 yards and two interceptions, recording a subpar 30.1 QBR.

He also struggled to push the ball downfield. According to ESPN's Benjamin Solak , Nix averaged 3.3 yards per pass attempt, tied for the sixth-lowest YPA in a game with at least 40 pass attempts since the 1970 merger.

Nix stepped up in the fourth quarter, though. With Denver trailing 26-13, he led a seven-play, 54-yard drive , rushing for a four-yard TD with 2:09 remaining.

"I thought he was into it," Broncos head coach Sean Payton said of Nix in a postgame news conference . "I never felt like it was too big or confusing. He was sharp. I thought he actually extended some plays with his feet. And again, we'll look at the tape, but we have to be better around him."

The Broncos clearly need more from their ground attack to take pressure off Nix. In Week 1, Denver running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for 50 rushing yards on 18 carries.

Nix faces a difficult challenge in a Week 2 home game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. In an 18-10 Week 1 win victory over the Falcons, Pittsburgh intercepted Atlanta QB Kirk Cousins twice.

However, the 12th overall pick should gather some momentum if he delivers.