Bo Nix, quarterback of the Denver Broncos, wins against the Green Bay Packers

DENVER – Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton isn’t ready to name rookie quarterback Bo Nix his starter, but it seems to be only a matter of time.

“Look, he played well. I’m not going to announce a starting quarterback tonight,” Payton said after Nix made another strong case for the job by leading Denver to points on both drives in his first NFL appearance on Sunday night, a 27-2 victory over the backup Green Bay Packers.

Nix, the former Oregon star and sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, has now led Denver to points on six of his seven drives in the preseason.

Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tim Patrick, whose trip to the end zone was his first in 974 days since he had to sit out the last two seasons with leg injuries. Nix also had a 14-yard pass to Javonte Williams that was nullified after review because he was just behind the line of scrimmage when he threw. Denver (2-0) got touchdowns from all three quarterbacks and instead had to settle for the first of Wil Lutz’s two field goals.

Nix completed 8 of 9 passes for 90 yards and an excellent passer rating of 140.7. Patrick caught four passes for 30 yards, none bigger than his TD, his first since December 19, 2021.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur was not happy with the déjà vu on Sunday when he benched 31 players, including all of his regulars.

“That was a good lesson for our guys because it doesn’t matter who’s out there. If you don’t give your best every time you step on the field, these things can happen to you.”

On Saturday, the Packers will host the Ravens for their final preseason game.

Green Bay will leave the country to start the season and play against Philadelphia in Sao Paulo on Friday, September 6th.