Bo Nix heads into his third NFL season after helping Denver return to the playoffs during his tenure. Looking ahead, an NFL analyst believes there is a clear benchmark the Denver Broncos quarterback should reach after back-to-back postseason appearances.

In a recent episode of the Orange & Blue Today podcast, Andrew Mason and Cecil Lammey discussed ESPN's Mike Clay projections for Nix. While passing yards often grab the headlines, both agreed that touchdown production will be the number to watch.

"I'd even say which do I think he's more likely to hit? I'm going to say 30 touchdowns because of how I expect this team to succeed. I expect the Broncos to be successful in forcing more turnovers."

Interestingly, in both his seasons so far, Nix has failed to reach the 30 passing touchdowns mark. In his rookie season, he finished at 29, while last year, he reached 25.

Mason on the Orange and Blue today podcast said that he believes Denver's defense can give Nix better field position this season. That could lead to more touchdown passes, even if he doesn't throw for 4,000 yards. 

"I think they'll succeed in that, and that does mean short-field opportunities for Bo," Mason added. "I think that's how you take that touchdown total from 25 to 30, even if the yardage total remains roughly the same."

He also expects the Broncos to lean more on their rushing attack under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, rather than asking Nix to carry the offense through the air every week.

Mason added that sticking with the running game, especially during difficult stretches, could help create a more balanced offense while allowing Nix to capitalize in scoring situations.

With Denver upgrading its offense this offseason, expectations for the third-year quarterback have only grown. 

Broncos' upgraded offense raises expectations for Bo Nix

According to A to Z Sports' Rob Gregson, the Broncos have given Nix one of the strongest squads of his career.

The addition of Jaylen Waddle gives Denver another proven playmaker alongside Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant. With such a squad, there are few excuses if the passing game fails to take another step forward.

Gregson also noted that the biggest test for Nix will be mastering every aspect of Sean Payton's offense. That test begins with a tough on-the-road game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Payton expects Mahomes to be ready, just as Nix is working his way to it.

"I do (expect Mahomes to play Week 1)," Payton said per Broncoswire. "Look, just having been around him and played some golf with him, and I think when you see the clips that you see, I think he's gonna attack it the same way Bo [Nix]'s attacking his rehab. And they're very competitive, they're gonna everything-plus to be ready."

Denver believes it has assembled a roster capable of challenging in the AFC West. Nix showed what he can do last season, but the offense still lacked consistency at times.

With another year of experience and more talent around him, Nix now has a chance to take the next step and establish himself as the Broncos' long-term answer at quarterback.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote