The Denver Broncos' offense took a step forward in 2024.
Quarterback Bo Nix showed tremendous growth and development as the season progressed. After throwing four interceptions and not a single touchdown pass during his first three games, Nix had a 30-8 TD-to-INT ratio throughout the final 15 games (including the playoffs).
Thanks in part to better QB play, wide receiver Courtland Sutton enjoyed a career year in 2024. He set new highs in receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,081), also tacking on eight TD catches. Despite the success of the Nix-Sutton tandem, they came in quite low on Pro Football Focus' list of best QB-pass catcher duos heading into the 2025 season, landing at No. 23 overall.
From PFF: "Nix enjoyed a great rookie season, with a 73.8 PFF passing grade and an 81.2 PFF rushing grade. He earned a 79.2 PFF passing grade when targeting Sutton, but with just an 85.4 passer rating and eight big-time throws to six turnover-worthy plays."
QB-pass catcher duos that came in ahead of Nix and Sutton that I would argue against include. . .
- Seattle Seahawks' Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Never played together.
- Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams and D.J. Moore: Accumulated less yards than Nix-Sutton in 2024.
- Las Vegas Raiders' Geno Smith and Brock Bowers: Never played together.
- Minnesota Vikings J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson: McCarthy has never taken an NFL snap.
Hopefully the Nix-Sutton connection will shoot up next year's list. There's reason to believe it will, as Nix will likely be even better in Year 2, and new tight end Evan Engram should open things up even more for Sutton. Rookie running back R.J. Harvey legitimizing Denver's rushing attack could also help Nix and Sutton hook up for more explosive plays down the field.
