Denver owns the NFL’s best record, yet somehow, their quarterback keeps catching heat from the national media. Bart Scott delivered the latest criticism of Bo Nix despite the Broncos reaching eight wins before any other team.
Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The ESPN analyst called Denver’s approach unsustainable during a recent segment. “This is a team being held back by their quarterback,” Scott declared,via PFSN. “We just have to call a spade a spade. It was horrible to watch. They’re getting away with smoke and mirrors.”
.@BartScott57 believes the Broncos are being held back by Bo Nix 😯 pic.twitter.com/8ob7l6GAlD
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 7, 2025
Scott questioned whether Nix can maintain success going forward. “He’s not accurate, not making plays down the field, and being held up by the defense,” Scott explained. “This isn’t sustainable, and they’re setting themselves up to be a one-and-done team.”
Recent performances fuel the skepticism surrounding Nix. Denver managed just 220 total yards against the Raiders in a painful 10-7 victory. Nix completed only 16 of 28 passes for 150 yards with two interceptions while the offense went three-and-out seven times.
His completion percentage dipped below 60 percent in three of the last four games. He hasn’t reached 200 passing yards in either of his last two starts.
The struggles against Houston and Las Vegas highlighted an offense that relied heavily on defense and special teams rather than quarterback play.
Sean Payton acknowledged the offensive frustration publicly. The head coach admitted Denver needs to “find some juice” and sustain drives to compete in a loaded AFC. That statement suggests even Payton recognizes the current formula has limitations.
The conservative game plan handcuffs Nix more than analysts acknowledge. Denver ranks near the bottom in average depth of target and passing attempts beyond 15 yards. Payton’s play calling restricts opportunities to stretch the field and showcase Nix’s arm talent.
Bo Nix Stats Undercut Analyst Doubts as Denver Keeps Winning
Numbers tell a different story than Scott’s harsh assessment suggests. Nix ranks seventh in passing yards and second in touchdown passes across the entire league. Those statistics don’t match the profile of a quarterback holding his team back.
Nix has engineered four comeback victories this season alone. He repeatedly proves he can handle pressure moments despite being only in his second NFL season. The fifth quarterback selected in the 2024 draft exceeds expectations for someone so early in his development.
Young quarterbacks experience inconsistency as part of their growth process. Expecting perfection from a second year player ignores how quarterback development actually works in the NFL. Patience makes more sense than declaring Denver’s success unsustainable.
The defense deserves credit for keeping Denver competitive during offensive struggles. But dismissing Nix’s contributions ignores his leadership, decision making and ball protection throughout the season. He protects possessions and keeps Denver in games even when the offense sputters.
Scott’s criticism reflects a broader trend among analysts of searching for flaws in surprising success stories. Denver wasn’t supposed to compete for playoff positioning this season.
Their strong record challenges narratives about rebuilding timelines and the limitations of rookie quarterbacks. Rather than celebrate an unexpected winner, critics focus on perceived weaknesses that might eventually surface.