After Denver’s 17-14 overtime win over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, Payton was asked on Monday whether a quarterback change was on the table. He answered firmly: no. He reiterated his belief in Nix and his confidence that the offense can improve with time and development.
Payton also stressed that Nix should continue to grow from the experience, noting that the quarterback “is going to become the byproduct of all the things that can get improved.”
Broncos offense under pressure
Denver’s offense has not produced consistently, despite improving to 4-2 with the Seattle victory. Thursday’s game was the third time this season the team has scored 17 points or fewer. The team’s numbers reflect the struggle: Denver ranks toward the bottom of the league in scoring and has one of the lowest third-down conversions. In the last two games combined, the Broncos converted only three of 26 third-down attempts, making sustained drives difficult.
On an individual level, Nix has faced notable challenges. He ranks near the bottom in several stat metrics, including completions over expected, QBR, and yards per attempt. In recent weeks, he has posted some of the lowest single-game passing yardage totals of his career.
Through six games in his third season with Denver, Nix has surpassed 1,000 passing yards and thrown six touchdowns, but also recorded three interceptions. His completion percentage is about 60.3%, a career-low.
Payton’s faith in the quarterback
Despite the disappointing statistics, Payton remains confident that Nix can work through these obstacles. He praised Nix’s ability to respond to adversity and highlighted the importance of managing frustration constructively. Rather than pursuing a drastic change at the position, Denver appears focused on helping Nix improve while also addressing the team’s broader offensive issues.
Looking ahead
Denver’s next challenge comes in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, who enter the matchup at 2-4. The upcoming game provides Nix with an important opportunity to demonstrate growth and prove that Payton’s faith in him is well-placed, while helping the team stabilize an offense that has struggled to find consistent rhythm.
Overall, the Broncos remain committed to developing their young quarterback and building a more productive offensive unit, with hopes of turning around the season as they head into the second half of the schedule.
