ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — This weekend, when the Buffalo Bills welcome the Denver Broncos for an AFC wild-card playoff game at Highmark Stadium, it won’t just be Josh Allen showcasing his athletic and mobile quarterback skills. Rookie Bo Nix is gaining attention, with many likening his abilities to those of a young Josh Allen, a sentiment echoed by members of the Bills’ coaching staff.
“He’s the real deal,” stated Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich. “Not only can he hurt you with his arm, but he can also do so with his legs. He shows intelligence and composure on the field, and he certainly appears to have control without feeling overwhelmed. He’s for sure a challenging opponent.”
Babich noted that as the season progressed, Nix demonstrated a maturation process typical of a rookie quarterback. This growth has made the game appear to slow down for him.
While Nix may not have reached the same statistical highs as the All-Pro Allen this season, he came remarkably close. Nix finished with more passing yards (3,775) and touchdown passes (29) than Allen’s 3,731 yards and 28 touchdowns. His completion percentage of 66.3% also edged out Allen’s 63.6%. However, Nix faced a higher number of challenges, getting sacked 12 times and throwing 12 interceptions, compared to Allen’s six.
Nix is also known for his mobility, although his 430 rushing yards and four touchdowns fall short of Allen’s 531 yards and 12 touchdowns. He began his career by starting 61 games at Auburn and Oregon, a record number for any quarterback in NCAA history, before being drafted by the Broncos as the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Notably, he and Jayden Daniels, who was selected second overall, are the only rookies this season to lead their teams to the playoffs. Daniels and the Washington Commanders will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in another wild-card matchup.
Nix’s surprising agility has provided a necessary boost for the Broncos (10-7) as they return to the playoffs for the first time in eight years, with their game at Orchard Park against the Bills (13-4) on Sunday.
“Perhaps we underestimated his speed since he didn’t fully participate in drills during the scouting combine,” remarked Broncos coach Sean Payton. “But he can move and that adds another dimension, particularly when the pocket starts breaking down.”
Nix shattered several rookie franchise records and earned multiple accolades for his outstanding performance throughout the season. His 29 touchdown passes were just two shy of the NFL rookie record set by Justin Herbert.
“Bo isn’t your typical rookie,” said wide receiver Courtland Sutton. “He approaches his work with a veteran mindset. If one were to observe how he trains and performs this year without knowing he was a rookie, they wouldn’t assume that at all. His ability to block out external distractions and focus on his game is admirable.”
Coach Sean McDermott of the Bills reinforced this perspective, noting Nix’s impressive track record even as a newcomer. “He played a record number of snaps in college, so for someone his age and experience level, his poise is exceptional,” McDermott commented. “His mobility to extend plays along with making significant contributions with his arm demonstrates he’s a strong asset for them.”
Consulting with Payton after a close win against Nix’s Broncos, Patrick Mahomes expressed his admiration: “You got one,” referring to Nix’s potential as a special talent.
Despite Nix’s 17 starts, the Bills have a remarkable record of 24-3 against quarterbacks with 16 or fewer starts since 2019. This statistic includes last weekend’s loss to the Patriots, where rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton played against the Bills.
Over those matchups, the Bills have allowed only 18 touchdown passes, registered 77 sacks, collected 37 interceptions, and forced four fumbles from their quarterback opponents.
The Bills will be looking to add Nix to that list of challenged young quarterbacks on Sunday, whereas the Broncos have faith that Nix can lead them to an upset victory in Buffalo. His coach expressed surprise at Nix’s determination and passion for the game. “Seeing a young player bring that kind of energy to the team can elevate everyone around him,” Sutton emphasized. “When your quarterback embodies that attitude and brings motivation and positivity to the field each day, it has a ripple effect that enhances the entire team’s performance.”
