Bo Nix improved his record in primetime games to 3-1 as the Denver Broncos notched a 28-3 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, and the second-year QB was happy with what he saw from his offense on the national stage of “Monday Night Football.”
Nix completed 69% of his passes for 326 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception in the contest, while also avoiding taking any sacks.
Perhaps most encouragingly, he got complementary efforts from the other phases.
Broncos QB Bo Nix Lauds Complete Effort
Nix overcame his pick, which occurred on fourth-and-goal in the second quarter, to guide the Broncos to their second victory of the season. Nix said, “It was important [to get into an early rhythm].”
He noted that “running the ball efficiently really helped” the Broncos avoid disadvantageous situations during the game.
“Running the ball is great for a complete offense,” Nix said.
He also believed that he “had good vision” after hitting nine different pass catchers against the Bengals. He added that “the guys just get open.” But Nix was also highly complimentary of the Broncos’ “suffocating” defense that features a “killer” pass rush.
The Broncos were able to get their run game going, thanks in part to bringing in offensive lineman Alex Palczewski as an eligible player.
Nix called it “interesting” to hear fans cheer for Palczewski.
Denver Sports’ Andrew Mason called a “cult hero” and noted had at least one fan sporting an “eligible” No. 63 jersey sign in the stands.
“I kind of heard about that last time we had a home game. And then today, for some reason, one time I did actually hear it. It’s interesting. Don’t know why they’re going crazy. We’re excited for Palcho, but excited about the other guys that are on the field, too,” Nix told reporters on September 29. “But it gives them some life, and I think that’s what a crowd is for. You get enthusiastic about the game, and it’s good to have a good home atmosphere. Really helps.”
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Nix was not satisfied with the effort, noting that the Broncos would need to be even better in their road date against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
“It’s a short week. So, we don’t have much time to think about [the win]. We’re going to be in Philly soon. So, it’s an important week. We have to get back to the basics, and really figure out what’s holding us back, and why we still have penalties, and how we can avoid certain situations. And they’re going to be a good defense. They have been for a while. They’re going to have good players. They’re going to have good scheme,” Nix said postgame.
“We have to do a good job. We’ve got to play really efficiently and make explosive plays, find a way to create explosive plays. We’ve got to just do a good job. And it’s going to be tough, but that’s why we practice throughout this week, and it’s going to be important.”
The Eagles are one of two undefeated teams left in the league, joining the Buffalo Bills.
A road game makes the matchup that much more daunting. At any rate, Nix is looking for the Broncos to avoid regressing to old, bad habits.
Bo Nix Gets Honest About Broncos’ Recent Struggles
“There’s always going to be noise. I’m sure after this, people are going to have a lot that they want to see us fix or whatever. So, there’s always noise. There’s always ways to improve, and it just – it’s a little bit better of a feeling once you win the game, watching it again and fixing those mistakes because you won,” Nix said.
“The last few weeks have stunk because you lose the game and you know there’s so much that you miss, or so many opportunities you had. So, it’s a lot better on the winning side. But we know it’s the same type of mentality and mindset to go out there and get better.”
Nix and the Broncos were 2-2 through four games last season, too.