It’s safe to say rookie quarterbacks have struggled out of the gates in 2024. Freshman signal-callers have 196 pass attempts, zero passing touchdowns and six interceptions through two weeks as defenses have always had the upper hand.
Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is going through some growing pains with his new quarterback, Bo Nix. Denver fell to 0-2 after a 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday, a game in which Nix completed 20 of 35 passes for 246 yards and two interceptions. Later, reporter James Palmer said more Steve Smith Sr.’s podcast that Steelers defensive backs laughed at how limited the Broncos’ playbook was for their rookie quarterback.
“I was just in the Steelers locker room against a rookie in Bo Nix in his second NFL start,” Palmer said, via USA TODAY. “[After the game]I’m talking to the Steelers corners and they’re sitting there laughing in the corner saying, “We knew the playbook was so big. [gestures small fingers]. We know they won’t shoot, and we know what he likes to do. They’ll make it easy for him to go here and there, and that’s all we had to worry about.”
The Broncos don’t have Nix push the ball down the field because he’s struggled mightily when he does. The former Oregon Duck is 6 of 24 with three interceptions and a 14.2 passer rating when attempting passes of at least 10 yards.
The Broncos are averaging 263 yards of total offense, which ranks fifth-worst in the league, and 15 points per game, which is tied for third-worst in the league. Not every rookie quarterback can be CJ Stroud, but Denver hopes Nix can show improvement week to week as the Broncos are allowed to open up more of their playbook.
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