Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix posted big numbers at the University of Oregon in 2023, but some have questions about how he achieved that production.
Nix has been criticized for racking up most of his stats on short throws, but he fired back at his doubters earlier this week.
“Quite frankly, I completed a lot of long ones too,” Nix said, via Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. “When people go back and watch the film, they can see everything they need to watch. But that’s here and gone. I’m excited to be here now and do whatever I need to do to win the games.”
Nix may have a point, too.
Stevens pointed out that of the top six quarterbacks selected in the NFL Draft late last month, Nix was the most accurate on throws greater than 10 yards. Stevens added that Nix’s numbers actually looked better on longer throws than short throws.
The 24-year-old threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 77.4 percent of his passes during his final season at Oregon. He also rushed for 234 yards and six scores.
Nix began his collegiate career at Auburn in 2019 and spent three years there before transferring to Oregon in 2022. He had a fantastic debut campaign with the Ducks, totaling 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven picks while completing 71.9 percent of his throws. He added 510 yards and 14 scores on the ground.
The Broncos took Nix with the 12th overall pick of the draft, making him the last of the six signal-callers selected in the first round.
Denver has been starving for a franchise quarterback ever since Peyton Manning retired.
We’ll see if Bo Nix ends up being the answer.
