During Sean Payton’s study of Bo Nix ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, the Broncos head coach was galvanized by the quarterback’s ability to avoid getting sacked.
In his first season in Denver, there was a sense of frustration about the amount of sacks former quarterback Russell Wilson had taken. And he knew his next signal caller had to prevent putting himself in those minus yard situations.
Five weeks into the season, Nix hasn’t been perfect but has proven to be a hard player to take down, which Payton attributes to his sneaky quick speed and being a quality processor.
“Getting through a progression quickly is extremely helpful in avoiding unnecessary sacks,” Payton said after Wednesday’s practice. “His ability to process has helped that greatly.”
In Wilson’s final season of his short two-year tenure with the Broncos, he was one of the league’s most sacked quarterbacks. He was taken down 45 times — fourth-most in the NFL — despite having the second-longest time to throw (3.06 seconds), according to Next Gen Stats.
Part of the issue was Wilson holding on to the ball longer than he should. Wilson was responsible for 24.3% of his sacks, according to Pro Football Focus, the highest percentage among quarterbacks in 2023.
Nix has had his fair share of struggles, but evading pressure has been his strength thus far. The former Oregon star has been sacked seven times, with three of those takedowns coming in Sunday’s win over the Raiders.
“I think it’s understanding timing and protections,” Nix said. “I took three on Sunday and I wish I could have them back (because) sacks kill drives.”
Nix was sacked six times in each of the two seasons with the Ducks, according to Pro Football Focus. Even though the pro level is more sped up compared to college, he has figured out a way to avoid getting hit.
Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said Nix is aware of what’s happening on the field. He thinks Nix does a solid job of going through his reads and monitoring defenses pre snap.
“That allows him to sort of evade those pressure looks, (allowing) second chances for this offense,” Surtain said. “He’s very smart back there (in the pocket). That just goes into preparation.”
Even though Nix has been praised for being a processor, his speed has had defenses on its heels. There have been a few times when Nix sensed pressure coming, turned on the jets and broke down the field for a big gain. In Week 3 against Tampa Bay, Nix escaped a potential sack before scrambling down the field for a 22-yard gain. In the fourth quarter against Las Vegas, Nix felt the pocket beginning to collapse and ran 11 yards for a first down.
“To sustain drives, I think that you have to eliminate as many minus plays as possible,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “(Nix has) been doing a really good job over these past few weeks of understanding how to take care of the ball and sustain drives. It’s so much more in store.”
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