Sean Payton identifies similarities between Bo Nix, Drew Brees
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton believes rookie quarterback Bo Nix has some things that reminds him of Drew Brees. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Payton was asked if Nix had any similarities to Brees when he was in the prime of his career.
“Mentally [Nix] wants to know as much as fast as he can,” Payton said while also mentioning Nix and Brees having different personalities. “He’s the son of a coach, now Drew wasn’t necessarily the son of a coach, but this group of quarterbacks in general are like gym rats. They enjoy the process. It’s been a good room.
“When you talk to Davis [Webb] or Joe [Lombardi] or myself, these guys are doing well. They’re pushing each other. …There’s maybe a maturity level because [Nix] played 61 games. When we got Drew, it was off of his rookie contract coming off an injury. He locates the ball well, he’s accurate and I think Drew was.”
The Broncos are hoping Nix can bring the same success Brees brought the Saints. During the 2009 season, Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl win, and he went on to be one of the most prolific passers in league history. Brees finished his career with 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns.
Bo Nix talks about being compared to Drew Brees
Nix is ready to be an impact player for the Broncos. And the interesting thing about Nix working with Payton is he watched him with Brees while growing up.
“I grew up watching Drew Brees,” Nix said in April, per the Broncos official website. “I grew up watching Coach Payton coach. I watched their Super Bowl. I knew the efficient offenses that they had and how well they worked together and honestly, in college, you learn — you’re with so many different coaches — that relationship is so important. It’s one that every quarterback and play caller and head coach need to have together. I’m excited to be around him. I’m excited to learn from him. Everything he tells me is something that I’m probably not going to know, so I’m going to do the best to take it all in and apply it to the field.”
Nix also talked about being compared to Brees. “Whenever you’re comped to a guy like Drew Brees, it’s an honor, just because the success he had, the career that he had,” the former Oregon Ducks QB said. “All it is, is just talk. I have to go out there and continue to do things, just for the respect of that comparison. I think that’s what excites me the most. I’m excited to just play football. I’m excited to go out there and compete.”