Jeremy Fowler: Bo Nix to start Broncos' 2nd preseason game vs. Packers: 'He's got some momentum here'
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix will start for the Denver Broncos during their preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
The quarterback battle in Denver has been heating up during training camp as Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson all look to claim the starting job ahead of September’s season opener. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes a big performance from Nix on Sunday may lead to him taking Denver’s first regular-season snaps.
“We’ll get significant run with Bo Nix and the starters, and honestly, he’s been getting that,” Fowler said on SportsCenter on Sunday morning. “He was a first-team runner in the joint practice with the Packers [earlier this week]. He got some time with the top receivers last week in the preseason game. Acquitted himself well, so he’s got some momentum here.
“Privately, the Broncos are not hiding away from the fact that he’s been impressive, his ability to process at the line of scrimmage, to move the ball downfield. They’ve really liked him, so perhaps he can stamp things today in this quarterback battle.”
During last week’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, Nix completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown pass. After a shaky first drive, the rookie quarterback led a 10-play, 56-yard drive that took over six minutes off the clock. It was finished off with a one-yard touchdown pass to 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims Jr to cap his day on a high note. Denver would win the game 34-30.
After an impressive college career, it’s clear that Nix has impressed those within the Broncos organization. However, whether there’s enough confidence to make the former Oregon star the day-one starter remains to be seen.
All three quarterbacks have their upside, as Zach Wilson has the most starting NFL experience of the three while Stidham has the luxury of being in head coach Sean Payton’s system for an entire year at this point.
“Maybe Sean Payton names the quarterback in the next few days. That’s been his precedent in the past, during the two preseason games if somebody separates themselves, they make that move,” Fowler said. “But Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson both have done well. There hasn’t been a huge drop-off throughout the three guys, so they’re trying to play all this out.”
One thing is for sure, and it’s that Nix will be taking the first snaps of Sunday night’s preseason matchup between the Packers. The opening kickoff between Denver and Green Bay is set for 8 p.m. ET and will air live on the NFL Network.