Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton's support for Bo Nix

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Despite Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix finding himself struggling at the bottom of several key statistical categories after four games, head coach Sean Payton remains optimistic about the young player's potential.

"You're still looking for the perfect picture, the perfect game," Payton commented during a press conference. "I know this Shangri-la doesn't exist, but the execution and the details need to get better with younger players."

Broncos' defense helps recovery from 0-2 start

The Broncos, recovering from a disappointing 0-2 start, have bounced back to a respectable 2-2 record thanks largely to one of the league's top-performing defenses. However, Nix's performance has been less than stellar. Currently, he ranks 31st among starting quarterbacks in passer rating and 32nd in touchdown passes with just one. His completion percentage stands at 60.1%, placing him 29th in the league, while his average length of completions is also at a lowly 31st.

Struggles in the rain

In a challenging rainy matchup against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Nix completed only 12 of his 25 passes for just 60 yards, even posting a startling minus-7 yards during the first half. Despite these struggles, Nix managed to throw his first career touchdown pass—an 8-yarder to wide receiver Courtland Sutton—late in the third quarter.

Team effort emphasized by Payton

Payton is quick to emphasize that Nix's challenges are not solely his own but part of a collective offensive struggle. "I've said this before, if everyone else can paint the right picture, then you truly get to evaluate and watch a really good quarterback," he noted.

Judging under difficult conditions

The inclement weather during last Sunday's game undoubtedly hindered both quarterbacks, including Jets star Aaron Rodgers, who managed only 81 yards on 8-of-16 passing during the first half. "It was difficult. I'm not making an excuse; it was tough for both teams," Payton said, suggesting that improved weather in the second half allowed for better performance from both sides.

Looking ahead to the Raiders game

As Nix gears up for an exciting face-off against the Raiders—one of Denver's oldest and most heated rivalries—he's determined to focus on his progress. He acknowledged that the rainy conditions made evaluation tough but expressed optimism following their victory. "It's a lot better watching it knowing you won," Nix said. "In Week 3, we had a chance to really spin it against Tampa Bay and did a solid job. I believe we can continue to improve."

Promising performance in Week 3

In that Week 3 win, Nix posted an impressive 25 completions on 36 attempts for 216 yards, showcasing the promise he holds as an emerging quarterback.

Milestone touchdown cherished

Following his first touchdown pass, Sutton made sure Nix received the football as a keepsake. "Sutton was adamant about it," Nix shared. "It was a great moment. It'll be at the house; hopefully, it stays there until my wife gets tired of it."

Optimism for the future

With his confidence intact and the support of his coach, Nix's journey in the NFL may be just beginning, and the Broncos fans are eager to see how he elevates his game in the weeks to come!