Bo Nix Called ‘NFL’s Worst Quarterback’ Following Week 1 Broncos Win
Maybe Bo Nix is just a slow starter.
The Denver Broncos second year quarterback began 2025 with a performance to forget in a 20-12 home win over the lowly Tennessee Titans, turning the ball over 3 times and looking generally lost running his own offense.
Nix finished 25-of-40 passing for 176 yards, 2 interceptions and 1 lost fumble — bad enough that he was one of just a handful of quarterbacks to be given an “F’ grade from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski in Week 1.
“Bo Nix turned into a pleasant surprise after being the sixth first-round quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft,” Sobleski wrote on September 9. “He was an ideal fit for Sean Payton’s offense and a mature prospect, which led to an easier transition compared to most. At the start of Year 2, though, Nix didn’t look nearly as comfortable and had to rely heavily on his defense to get the job done against a Tennessee Titans team not expected to do much this season. Three turnovers, while averaging 4.4 yards per attempt, won’t be enough against much better opponents.”
Luckily for the Broncos and Nix, “much better opponents” are still a few weeks away — the Broncos travel to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
Nix was one of just 3 quarterbacks out of 32 to receive an “F” grade in Week 1 alongside Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and New York Giants quarterback and former Bronco Russell Wilson — Nix was also the only one of the 3 to walk away with a win.
Reminiscent of Nix’s Week 4 Rookie Performance
While not sinking to the same depths, Nix’s Week 1 performance in 2025 harkened back to his Week 4 performance as a rookie in 2024 in a 10-9 win over the New York Jets.
That game, Nix went 12-of-25 passing for 60 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions as the Broncos went 3-of-14 on third downs. It was Nix’s first career touchdown pass.
“… Courtland Sutton caught three passes for 60 yards,” Sports Illustrated’s Ryan Phillips wrote after the game. “That means that Nix’s nine completions to six other receivers combined to total zero yards. Remarkable. Nix started the game 7-of-15 for -7 yards. So he averaged -1 yards on his first seven completions. Nix did run the ball five times but only gained three yards. That’s 0.6 yards per carry. Overall, he had 63 total yards on 28 touches, which is 2.3 yards per play. Yikes.”
Broncos Snapped 9-Year Playoff Drought in 2024
The Broncos and Nix ended their 9-year playoff drought in 2024 and bring back arguably the NFL’s best defense in 2025 as they try to make the postseason in consecutive years.
Nix started all 17 games as a rookie and finished third in NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Nix was the last of a record-tying 6 quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft at No. 12 overall — Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams went No. 1 overall, Daniels at No. 2, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye at No. 3, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall.
All 6 quarterbacks started Week 1 of the 2025 season as their team’s starter. Only McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn meniscus, failed to start a game in 2024.
Celtics rival could soon learn a painful lesson Boston has known for years
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Malcolm Brogdon is an individual on the New York Knicks' radar. They have two roster open spots, but can only offer free agents minimum contracts. They reportedly extended such a proposal to Ben Simmons. However, it appears that he passed on that opportunity.
Brogdon won the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year Award in his lone campaign with the Boston Celtics. He is still plenty productive. The six-foot-four guard averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes of floor time for the Washington Wizards last season.
The problem centers around his durability. The nine-year veteran has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He gave Boston an efficient offensive boost off the bench. Unfortunately, when the playoffs arrived, he suffered an arm injury that saw him go from a key contributor to someone the Celtics were better off not having on the hardwood.
Brogdon isn't to blame for his injuries. They aren't the result of poor conditioning or reckless play that must get reeled in. While undeserved, it is his reality. He appeared in 24 tilts last season and 39 the year before. In his final campaign with the Indiana Pacers, he played in 36 contests. The only time he suited up for more than 67 games was in his rookie year with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Why the Knicks may ignore Brogdon's durability concerns
New York isn't oblivious to the 32-year-old's track record. However, one reason the Knicks might not get deterred is his role in "The Big Apple." He would most likely be in the extended rotation, rather than a fixture in it. If that's the case, pacing him becomes much more manageable.
In that scenario, new head coach Mike Brown can feel optimistic about getting Brogdon's best in the playoffs. If he is getting appreciable minutes consistently in the regular season, then it's buyer beware. If navigating that circumstance, New York would be wise to give him scheduled rest days to help get through the upcoming campaign.
Brogdon turns 33 in December. Thinking he can duplicate his regular-season durability two years ago with the Celtics, then hold up in the playoffs, is an ill-advised approach.
It's reasonable to believe he can give Boston's rival more production than Simmons. However, to have those contributions when it matters most requires a well-calculated plan in the months leading up to that.
