After the Denver Broncos concluded mandatory mini-camp on Thursday, QB Bo Nix and the rest of the team will have about the next five weeks off.
Then the grind of training camp will begin toward the end of July, and before you know it the NFL’s preseason slate will arrive.
With Nix coming off a successful rookie season, expectations are high entering year two. He was sixth in the NFL in 2024 with 29 touchdown passes.
And after OTAs and mini-camp, almost every reporter noticed Bo Nix looks even more comfortable with one professional campaign under his belt.
Head coach Sean Payton was asked about that on Thursday and agreed with the sentiment. In terms of elaborating as to what he’s seeing that makes him think that’s the case, Payton pointed toward efficiency.
“Less pause, less hesitation with the play-call in the huddle. Less pause, less hesitation in the pocket. He’s playing fast,” Payton said.
That means not only is Bo Nix even more in-tune with the playbook, but in his decision making as well. Payton continued with the praise.
“And again, protecting the ball. He’s hard to sack. He was hard to sack in college. So, you’re seeing him play faster. More confidence,” Payton said.
Nix will take some of his receivers, tight ends and running backs out of town to work on their own during the hiatus. Payton downplayed that, noting it’s common, but likes the team bonding.
“I think most teams do it. Drew (Brees) would have them come to San Diego. These guys will go workout three days. I think it’s just spending time together and I don’t think it’s unusual. And so yeah, that’s their time,” Payton said.
The coaches obviously won’t be involved in those workouts as the NFL allows only so much scheduled practice during the offseason, but it’s good to see Bo Nix leading the charge.
And with that, in some sense, it’s summer break. But in another, the work continues. Real football season can’t get here soon enough.