Bo Nix hears the chatter. He just doesn't care.
The Denver Broncos quarterback has been under fire this season as his completion percentage sits at a career-low 59.9%, with 942 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions through five games. But when asked about the criticism on Tuesday, Nix made it clear that outside opinions aren't going to dictate how he plays.
“Playing good and playing bad, it’s a narrative and I think it’s honestly kind of something we make up,” Nix told reporters, via The Denver Gazette. “I don’t think necessarily I’m playing any different than what I’m normally playing.”
Critics have pointed to a lack of downfield passing as a key issue, but Nix isn't buying it. He insists he's not going to force throws just to satisfy the narrative.
“At the end of the day, it’s like, who cares? Why would I go out there worried about throwing an interception? Why would I go out there trying to throw every football 50 yards down the field? Just play the play. If the play is there, hit it. If it’s not, check it down, run, throw it away…. Just have to remind myself to not play hero ball. It’s one play at a time,” Nix said.
The Broncos are coming off a win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but some fans still believe Nix is holding back Sean Payton's offense. That frustration has even led to Payton taking over playcalling duties in recent weeks, a move that hasn't silenced the doubters.
Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd went as far as to suggest Nix won't get a new contract from Denver. “You can’t extend Bo Nix,” Cowherd said. “You let the season play out… His first quarter passer rating is lower than Cam Ward and everybody thinks Cam Ward is a bust.”
Despite the negativity, Nix has time to turn things around. Next up is a high-profile Thursday night matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, a game that could shift the narrative if Nix delivers. But regardless of the outcome, he's staying true to his approach.
For a quarterback who led the Broncos to a playoff appearance last season, the criticism feels premature to some. But Nix isn't looking for validation from anyone outside the building. He's focused on one thing: winning football games.
“It’s a long season,” Nix said. “I’m not going to let one bad game or a few tough throws define who I am. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m going to keep playing my game.”
The Broncos and Seahawks kick off on Thursday Night Football, and all eyes will be on Nix to see if he can quiet the critics with a strong performance.
