Full Breakdown
Broncos Target Bo Nix’s Footwork to Unlock Third-Year Upside
8/26/2026, 2:21:10 AM
Core Event
The Denver Broncos entered the 2024 offseason determined to improve quarterback Bo Nix’s timing and footwork. Head coach Sean Payton and newly promoted offensive coordinator Davis Webb have made syncing Nix’s drop-backs with receiver routes a priority, believing the adjustment could elevate the passing attack after two playoff seasons.
Background & Context
Nix, the Broncos’ 2024 first-round pick, posted at least 25 touchdown passes in each of his first two pro seasons and helped Denver reach the AFC Championship Game in the 2025 campaign. He suffered a fractured right ankle in the divisional-round win over the Buffalo Bills and the team subsequently replaced offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi with Davis Webb. The upcoming season will be the first in Payton’s career where he has delegated offensive play-calling to a coordinator.
Data & Statistics
- Nix ranked 28th in yards per attempt last season (6.4) — Jeff Legwold.
- He was 26th in completion-percentage-over-expectation (-2.1 pp) per NFL Next Gen Stats.
- He placed 12th in completions of 20+ yards.
- Only 44.1 % of his passes of 10+ air yards were completed, and 36.1 % of attempts of 20+ air yards found a receiver.
- Of his 612 pass attempts, 395 (64.5 %) were within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, while 121 (19.7 %) were thrown behind the line—far more than MVP Matthew Stafford’s 59 behind-the-line attempts on 597 tries.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Sean Payton emphasized that Nix’s “foot-athlete” gifts must be matched to the cadence of each route and noted his ability to avoid sacks, allowing him to stay in the pocket.
Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb observed noticeable strides in camp, highlighting Nix’s improved first-read execution and his willingness to use his legs on later reads. Webb stressed the need to “marry” Nix’s first, second and third reads and to sequence play calls that accommodate varied drop-back speeds.
Former quarterback and analyst Chase Daniel explained that Payton’s offense employs multiple five-step drops—slow, normal and quick—and that Nix must master the timing differences to avoid premature check-downs.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sean's offense is very much timing and rhythm,” — Chase Daniel, analyst
- “He's a real good foot athlete ... I think it's one of his gifts,” — Sean Payton, coach
- “He does a very good job of avoiding [a] sack -- the minus play -- and because of that he's very good with his progression.” — Sean Payton, coach
- “It's noticeable the strides he's taken, hanging on [the first read], getting to two, to three, then using his legs,” — Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach
Why It Matters
Improving Nix’s footwork could transform the Broncos’ vertical passing game, addressing low completion rates on deep throws that limited the offense despite strong overall production. Better synchronization may reduce premature check-downs, increase yards after catch, and help Denver contend for another conference title.
What’s Next
The Broncos will test the revised timing concepts in training camp and preseason, with the regular season offering the first opportunity for Payton and Webb to evaluate whether the adjustments translate into sustained offensive efficiency.
