Sean Payton says Broncos have not considered benching Bo Nix amid offensive struggles
Denver's coach backed Nix as the starting quarterback after a 4-2 start, saying the offensive line, running game and coaches must improve too.
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said Monday, October 19, in Englewood, Colorado, that he had not considered benching starting quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos are 4-2, but their offense ranks near the bottom of the NFL in scoring and third-down conversions, making Nix's job a focus of scrutiny despite the team's winning record.
Asked directly whether he had considered a quarterback change, Payton answered, ‘No,’ ESPN reported. NBC Sports also reported that Payton had not considered removing Nix from the starting role, citing The Athletic. Payton described Nix's play as part of a broader offensive problem that the coaching staff needs to address.
Why Denver's offense is under pressure
Payton said Nix would benefit as the offensive line improves and Denver becomes more efficient and better balanced in the running game. ‘That's our job as coaches here,’ he said, according to ESPN. Payton also cited Nix's ability to ‘climb through adversity’ as a quality Denver valued when it selected him with the 12th pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
ESPN reported that Denver ranked 26th in scoring and 31st in third-down conversions. The Broncos had scored 17 points or fewer in three games, including their overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks the previous Thursday. Across their wins over the Los Angeles Chargers and Seahawks, they converted only three of 26 third downs.
Nix passed for 123 yards against the Chargers and 107 against Seattle, two of the three lowest single-game passing totals of his career, ESPN reported. The problems extend beyond passing: Denver ranked 26th in rushing, 27th in passing yardage and tied for last in plays gaining at least 20 yards. Its longest play against Seattle gained 16 yards.
Nix points to missing explosive plays
After the Seahawks game, Nix said the offense was capable of more but was struggling to produce explosive plays. ‘I don't know where the disconnect is right now,’ he said, according to ESPN. Denver's defense helped secure that win: Ja'Quan McMillian intercepted a pass in overtime, setting up the winning field goal.
Payton said the team needed better attention to detail and that players' body language mattered when the offense was failing to get first downs. Asked about national criticism of Nix, he said Denver's attention was on preparing to play Arizona.
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Sources and context
- Sean Payton: Not considering change at quarterbackNBC Sports; Rivers McCown, citing The Athletic
- Sean Payton: Broncos not considering benching Bo Nix amid offense's strugglesESPN; Jeff Legwold
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.
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