If the Denver Broncos are to improve upon last year's brief postseason appearance, Bo Nix must take another stride forward in 2025.
As a rookie, Nix showcased promising development throughout the season, boding well for a potential Year 2 leap. He endured an atrocious start, tossing four interceptions in the opening two weeks -- a figure that could have been even higher. However, as the season progressed, he grew more comfortable in Sean Payton's scheme. With better field vision, Nix found the right receiver more consistently, displayed mobility when needed and commanded the offense with authority. In his final 14 games, he threw 29 touchdowns to eight INTs and completed 67.2 percent of his passes.
Players who display incremental improvements within their first season are ideal candidates to break out in their sophomore season. That's how star corner Patrick Surtain II views Nix.
"Bo, he's even more confident going into this year. Obviously, with Year 1 under his belt, a lot more confidence rises upon that," Surtain said on Tuesday of Nix. "The team, we have Bo's back through the whole way through. He's a tremendous leader out there, obviously, a tremendous player. This year, he's going to make a lot of noise, and we're looking forward to seeing what he does and his success moving forward."
Nix's accuracy and ability to throw on the move make him an ideal quarterback for Payton's system.
Beyond coaching comfort, the Broncos assembled support around Nix to elevate his play. The offensive line, one of the league's best, should help solidify protection. Additions of rookie RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins in the backfield promise improvement to the ground game. Signing tight end Evan Engram gives Nix a big target to exploit intermediate routes -- something last season's offense lacked. The biggest question remains at receiver behind Courtland Sutton. Rookie Pat Bryant is one to track during training camp and could emerge as a preseason standout.
With a stacked defense, led by Surtain, on paper, the Broncos should be contenders to push the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West crown in 2025. Whether that paper analysis becomes reality depends heavily on Nix taking another significant leap forward in Year 2
