Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos are 3-2, but their winning record has not quieted questions about an offense that has struggled to generate big plays heading into Thursday night’s matchup with Seattle.
Nix, back for five starts after the ankle injury that ended his 2025 season, said he is not concerned by outside judgments of his early-season form. The second-year quarterback believes labels about whether he is playing well or poorly can become overstated.
“Good play and bad play are narratives that we create,” Nix said. “I don’t really feel like I’m playing differently from how I normally do.”
Production has dipped through five games
The numbers show Denver’s passing game has lacked its usual efficiency. Nix has completed 59.9 percent of 162 attempts for 942 yards, with six touchdown passes and three interceptions. He is averaging 5.8 yards per attempt and 6.0 air yards per throw, while his EPA per dropback stands at minus-0.14.
His completion percentage, touchdown rate of 3.7 percent, yards per attempt, average air yards and EPA per dropback are all at career-low levels. In last Sunday’s victory over the Chargers, he completed 16 of 27 passes for 123 yards and one touchdown.
Tight end Evan Engram accounted for Nix’s only completion longer than 13 yards, turning a first-quarter throw into a 34-yard gain. Nix attempted only two passes that traveled at least 10 yards in the air.
Criticism has centered on a conservative passing approach, missed opportunities downfield and difficulty handling pressure behind an offensive line that has had a disappointing start. Denver’s stagnant ground game and the decisions of head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb have also drawn scrutiny.
Nix balancing aggression and ball security
Nix said the challenge is deciding when to attack while avoiding mistakes that can put Denver’s defense in difficult situations.
“You want to be aggressive, but then you see a defense leading the league in takeaways,” Nix said. “You can’t put your team in a bad spot by turning it over, giving the other side a short field.”
He added that his approach cannot be dictated by fear of an interception or by a need to force deep throws.
“Just run the play,” Nix said. “If it is available, make the throw. If it isn’t, check it down, throw it away or punt. I have to remind myself not to play hero ball.”
Denver searching for offensive answers
Despite its winning record, Denver enters Week 6 near the bottom of the league in several major offensive categories.
| Category | NFL Rank |
|---|---|
| Points scored | 26th |
| Total yards | 30th |
| Yards per play | 26th |
| Passing yards per game | 25th |
| Rushing yards per game | 25th |
| Third-down conversion rate | 27th |
Nix said Denver’s record remains the priority, even with missed chances and an offense still trying to find consistency.
“We’re 3-2 and it has been a good start,” Nix said. “There are things we need to clean up and things we need to fix. We’ve left plays on the field, but we’re finding ways to win like we did last year. Winning is the most important thing.”
