The Broncos may have taken a serious beating from the Ravens on Sunday, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix still managed to pull off some jaw-dropping moves. Baltimore may have walked away with a 41-10 win, but Nix didn’t go down quietly. In true underdog fashion, he found a way to make Broncos and NFL history — and even managed to catch a touchdown pass in one of Sean Payton’s wildest play calls yet!
With every game, Nix keeps adding to his list of rookie records, keeping Broncos fans hopeful for a bright future. Let’s break down his record-setting day, the “Denver Special” trick play, and what’s next for the Broncos’ breakout star as they set their sights on the Chiefs.
A Tale Of Two Halves: Bo Nix’s Performance
If you watched the first half of Sunday’s game, you might have thought Nix was on the path to leading an upset. He showed poise, made smart decisions, and even delivered a highlight play with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton. However, the second half told a different story, as the Ravens’ defense adjusted, slowing Nix and the Broncos’ offense significantly.
Though his performance dipped, Nix managed to finish with 223 passing yards, completing 19 of 33 attempts, alongside an interception. He added 36 rushing yards to his stat line but was ultimately overshadowed by Baltimore’s relentless pass rush.
Also Read: Broncos Rookie QB Bo Nix Dropped A Wild Response To Sean Payton
Setting Another Record: Most Passing Yards By A Broncos Rookie QB
Bo Nix has become a record-breaking machine for the Broncos in just nine weeks. Against Baltimore, he added yet another feather to his cap by surpassing Mickey Slaughter’s rookie passing yard record. With 1,753 passing yards this season, Nix eclipsed Slaughter’s 1,689-yard mark, solidifying his place in the Broncos’ history books.
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That’s not the only mark Nix has made so far this year. He has now logged the most completions by a rookie in franchise history with 184 and set the record for most wins by a rookie QB with five, surpassing legends like John Elway and Drew Lock.
“Denver Special”: A Trick Play And A Unique Place In NFL History
Head coach Sean Payton drew up a wild play in the second quarter — a move that fans are already calling the “Denver Special.” In a rare play design, wide receiver Courtland Sutton threw a touchdown pass to Nix, making him the third quarterback in NFL history to score a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in his rookie season.
Head coach Sean Payton drew up a wild play in the second quarter — a move that fans are already calling the “Denver Special.” In a rare play design, wide receiver Courtland Sutton threw a touchdown pass to Nix, making him the third quarterback in NFL history to score a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in his rookie season.
“It’s hard to explain,” Payton laughed when asked about the trick play, according to Sports Illustrated. “They were in a zero-funnel coverage, and we had a series of beaters ready. If I knew it would’ve been that close, maybe I wouldn’t have called it. But it was worth the shot.”
Nix himself seemed thrilled with the creative play, saying, “We called it at the right time. Courtland made a good throw, and we caught it perfectly.” The play may not have changed the game’s outcome, but it definitely added to Nix’s growing highlight reel.
Historic Season For Nix: Rushing And Passing Dual-Threat
Nix’s dual-threat capabilities have set him apart from most rookie quarterbacks. With eight passing touchdowns and four rushing scores, he has quickly gained a reputation for versatility. Only four other quarterbacks have managed to reach at least eight passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns through their first eight games: Dak Prescott, Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton — and now Bo Nix.
To top it off, he’s joined Broncos’ legend John Elway as the only Denver QB to achieve multiple games in a season with both passing and rushing touchdowns. With three such games, Elway holds the franchise record, but Nix has proven he’s on a historic path.
Honored As NFL’s Offensive Rookie Of The Month
In October, Nix received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award, becoming only the third Broncos rookie to receive the honor and the first since running back Clinton Portis in 2002. The accolade underscores his impressive start and suggests big things for his future.
In October, Nix received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award, becoming only the third Broncos rookie to receive the honor and the first since running back Clinton Portis in 2002. The accolade underscores his impressive start and suggests big things for his future.
In October, Nix received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award, becoming only the third Broncos rookie to receive the honor and the first since running back Clinton Portis in 2002. The accolade underscores his impressive start and suggests big things for his future.
What’s Next? The Kansas City Chiefs Await
The Broncos may have fallen to 5-4, but they remain in the AFC playoff picture, holding onto the seventh seed. With a road game against the 7-1 Kansas City Chiefs on the horizon, Denver’s young squad will face another uphill battle.
“As a young team, you have to find ways to not let this happen again,” Nix shared after the game. “An older team can just move on, but we really have to look at this, fix our mistakes, and get better. Otherwise, we’ll end up in the same spot again.”
Also Read: 5 Interesting NFL Records Of All Time
