The Denver Broncos have compiled an 8-2 record through ten games, positioning themselves among the top teams in the NFL this season. Despite their success in the standings, questions about the offense have grown louder following Thursday night’s 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The defensive unit carried much of the load while the offense struggled to generate consistent production throughout the contest. That performance has fueled speculation about the franchise’s long-term plans at quarterback.
Analyst Colin Cowherd is raising red flags about Bo Nix, recently painting a worrying picture for the Denver Broncos’ quarterback during a segment of his show, The Herd.
“Sean Payton is a very impatient guy. He also understands the urgency at quarterback. Unlike a lot of coaches in this league. I wonder, because the roster, the O line set, the D line set, the pass rush, the receivers. Would Sean Payton draft another quarterback? I’m dead serious. Bo Nix has regressed badly. His completion percentage is now towing that backup quarterback line…. His passer rating has plummeted…. He’s gonna have more turnovers this year. Again, he is a significantly worse quarterback this year than last,” Cowherd said.
"Would Sean Payton draft another quarterback? I’m dead serious. Bo Nix has regressed badly."@colincowherd weighs in on Nix’s struggles in his 2nd season for the Broncos pic.twitter.com/tB5STZypG5
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) November 7, 2025
Cowherd pointed to the disconnect between Denver’s roster construction and its offensive results. Pro Football Focus ranks the offensive line as the best in the league, and the team features two capable running backs alongside a solid receiving group.
Yet the Broncos continue to struggle moving the ball, recording more punts than even the Cleveland Browns this season. According to Cowherd, Nix appears visibly anxious in games, particularly during first halves when the pressure to perform for Payton seems heaviest.
His mechanics have suffered as a result, with sidearmed throws and rushed decisions becoming more frequent. Nix tends to perform better in fourth quarters when trailing, finally playing with freedom when the outcome feels less critical.
Payton has adjusted his play-calling in response, including unconventional decisions like a double pass on third-and-one. Those choices suggest an attempt to manage around the quarterback’s current limitations.
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