Bo Nix and Sean Payton’s mind-meld is unlocking the Broncos

Again in October, I had a six-week examine in with the rookie QBs that performed on the time. Among the many QBs who certified for a grade, Nix had the worst one of many bunch. Coming in at a D+, there have been many considerations I had about his early play, a few of that are outlined right here:

It’s simple to say the sport needs to be slowed down for Nix, but it surely actually does. He’s enjoying approach too sped up and sacrificing his footwork, throwing off his mechanics. This was an issue for him in faculty and the issue has include him to Denver. When he will get his cleats within the floor and is throwing fast recreation he can function, however that’s not what you ask a first-round choose at QB to do. I’m involved for Nix and the Broncos, as a result of it’s not wanting good proper now.

Effectively, it’s an excellent factor we play 17 video games, as a result of since then Nix has performed rather well. The event monitor for younger sign callers is rarely linear, and Nix’s progress has been cool to see with an offense that’s discovering their solutions rapidly.

The Broncos had each golf membership within the bag engaged on Sunday of their 38-6 demolition of the Atlanta Falcons, and Nix was additionally enjoying nicely. Nix went 28-for-33 for 307 yards and 4 touchdowns within the win, but it surely was the mind-meld with head coach Sean Payton that caught my eye. Payton was cooking on Sunday, giving Nix some nicely designed ideas to beat the Falcons at each step, but additionally asking Nix to hit a number of huge boy throws.

One thing that stood out to me off the leap was how the Broncos used movement and formations to emphasize the Falcons’ second degree. This can be a easy bottom slant to Devaughn Vele out of shotgun, however the best way they get to it’s what’s actually thrilling to me. Denver strains up WR Marvin Mims within the backfield (we’ll get to that later). The Broncos ship Mims out rapidly into the flat to Nix’s proper, which forces the difficulty towards the Falcons as a result of there are already three receivers on the market. Now, the linebacker has to speak in confidence to his left due to the sheer numbers over there. What Nix does when the ball is snapped is good and tidy as nicely. He influences the LB together with his eyes, flips again over and throws it to Vele for 14 yards on 2nd and 15. Simply neat, environment friendly QB play married with an idea to make issues simple.

Mims was within the backfield once more on one other huge play, a 37-yard rail route that caught the Falcons off guard. Atlanta sends a simulated strain, bringing a nickel from the sting whereas dropping a defensive lineman. Nonetheless, Denver is prepared for it. With two receivers to Nix’s left and Mims to the left aspect within the backfield, the Broncos can assault that dropping lineman. The 2 receivers filter the protection to the left aspect, and Nix wastes no time on this rail route, dropping it over the outstretched arms of this EDGE participant who has no concept what he’s doing on the market.

Nix’s first passing landing was particularly diabolical by Payton, utilizing the Mims eye sweet to draw the eye of the Falcons’ second degree earlier than leaking out the tight finish. So let’s break it down. Denver is in 11 personnel (one tight finish, one working again), and earlier than the snap, they ship Mims into this return orbit movement, the place he breaks throughout the formation, then runs behind the QB again the identical approach he began. That is largely only for window dressing, to tug the eyes of the second degree. Not solely do they do this, however the middle pulls, additionally influencing that bottom LB. Out within the passing idea, you get WR Courtland Sutton clearing out the nook, however what actually makes this factor go is RB Javonte Williams going quick out the backfield. This sends the panic alarm off to the playside LB, who runs with Williams out the backfield.

Over to the bottom, keep in mind that window dressing I talked about with Mims? Effectively, the bottom LB and nickel each fell for it and ended up hitting a wall like Wil. E. Coyote. The tight finish leaks out the formation and principally walks into the top zone.

Even with out among the fancy dressing, Nix had some performs the place he displayed the expansion that has include being an NFL QB, particularly in his footwork. For those who keep in mind from the 6-week examine in, his footwork was what annoyed me probably the most, being too jumpy and throwing himself off and out of whack. Maybe the largest indicator of his progress was this explosive downfield to Vele. Simply watch the footwork on this dig route, particularly from the top zone. Have a look at how a lot calmer he’s within the pocket, and the arrogance to fireside this dangerous boy in a cloudy look.

That is huge boy QB stuff, and Nix was displaying it on Sunday.

I’m positive many will ask what’s led to this uptick in play, however I believe there are two main elements: the primary one is the standard offensive line play in move safety. Via the primary six weeks of the season the Broncos allowed a 33.8% strain charge, however since week seven that quantity has dropped to twenty-eight.7%. They’ve saved Nix clear, and whereas sure the caveat of enjoying the worst move rush within the NFL has to return in play, you possibly can solely beat the workforce that strains up in entrance of you. On high of that, I simply suppose Nix and Payton have gotten extra comfy because the season has gone on. At first, it appeared like they have been attempting to determine one of the best combine of every others’ abilities, however I believe they’ve actually began to hit their stride on the proper time.

With Denver within the thick of the AFC playoff race, maintaining Nix enjoying at a excessive degree will assist in their brief and long run targets.