Bo Nix's running ability has added intriguing element to Broncos offense

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.

It is hard for Sean Payton to make novel discoveries when watching film.

After spending the last 40 years either playing or coaching the sport, there isnt much the Broncos coach hasnt seen happen in a football game.

Thats why Payton was so taken aback early in the spring as he watched film of quarterback prospect Bo Nix .

While poring over some of Nixs plays at Oregon, he came across a Houdini escape that defied reason.

Payton watched the play again.

And again.

GO DEEPER Broncos enjoying 'change of scenery' in serene West Virginia, but focus is on Jets The guard was blocking a three technique (defensive lineman), and he kind of climbed and he actually slipped under between the guard and the three technique , came out the other side and threw it, Payton said during training camp.

I just had never seen that ever happen.

It was the first time I ever saw it in my life where the quarterback kind of ducked between the rusher and the blocker and kind of came out the other end.

Advertisement The play was an example of the improvisational athleticism that made Nix the countrys top dual-threat quarterback as he entered college in 2019.

Nix doesnt typically search for a sliver of daylight between opposing players, but that same feel for when to run and where to go has added a unique element to Denvers offense early this season, particularly when the escapes turn Nix into a ball carrier.

The rookies 107 rushing yards are the most by a Denver quarterback through three games since at least 2000, according to TruMedia.

It is nearly double the previous high mark in that span, which came last season when Russell Wilson rushed for 57 yards in the opening three games.

Nix for six! : FOX pic.twitter.com/Hprvnrlnov Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 22, 2024 The Broncos may not have predicted Nix would be their leading rusher at this point in the season, but his production hasnt come by accident.

I think its something thats always been in the plans, Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Thursday as the Broncos finished a rainy practice at The Greenbrier resort.

Some games they force you to go get it; some games they give you opportunity to pull him to get some yards.

Hes an athletic guy.

I think were always aware that whether its on design runs, read runs or scrambling off a pass, it definitely gives the defense something more to worry about.

As the Broncos prepare for Sundays game against the Jets , one of the leagues most aggressive teams at pressuring quarterbacks, Nixs legs serve as an intriguing subplot.

Six of the eight designed runs Payton has called for Nix this season came in last weeks 26-7 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

On a fourth-and-1 play at the end of the first quarter, the Buccaneers pinched inside, protecting against the quarterback sneak up the A gap.

At the snap, Nix paused ever so slightly, allowing the defense to crash toward the middle, then plunged off left tackle for a 3-yard gain.

Later, on a third-and-3 near midfield, Nix read blitzing safety Jordan Whitehead crash down from the edge toward Jaleel McLaughlin as Nix faked a handoff to the running back.

The rookie pulled the ball and darted into the vacated real estate on the right side for an 8-yard gain and a first down.

Advertisement Theres two ways he can end up running, Payton said the day after the win in Tampa Bay.

He can scramble on a pass play, and then hes got to be smart.

Or he can be involved in the run game plan.

Theres not as much control on the A.

The B, there is a little bit more control relative to what were doing that week and who were playing.

GO DEEPER Why rising talent Riley Moss is ready for spotlight in Broncos' secondary An example from the A category came in the third quarter Sunday with the Broncos driving near midfield.

On third-and-3, Nix ran to his right, trying to set up for a big shot back to the other side of the field for Courtland Sutton.

But just as Nix was about to release, he sensed the backside pressure from fast-closing linebacker Anthony Nelson .

Nix crouched and evaded Nelsons swinging arm, then darted back to the left side of the field.

Once he turned upfield, Nix turned on the speed and picked up 22 yards.

Ive always used the escapability and used my skill set to my advantage, Nix said.

When youre younger, you can kind of play with it and see what you can get away with and all that kind of stuff.

At times, it can also get you in trouble because you miss a few reads and you get to scrambling or escaping too soon.

I feel like the right timing theres always a progression, and then you just feel it and its time to go.

Sometimes you do it right and sometimes youre like, Man, I wish I had gotten out sooner, or, I wish I wouldve hung on that route a little bit longer.

When it works right and youre doing it well, its good to see and its efficient for the offense.

Lombardi said the staff has been pleased with Nixs decision-making as a runner this season.

The offensive coordinator said there are times Nix could slide feet first instead of diving forward but added: I dont think hes done anything reckless.

Ive been very pleased.

If the Broncos are going to mitigate the intense pressure the Jets pass rush has produced this season, Nixs running ability may have to play a role.

Runs like his keep around the end after pulling the ball from McLaughlin could help Denvers run game by preventing ends from overpursuing.

His scrambling ability could also force defenders to make tougher choices in coverage.

A bit of advice for Nix, though: If one of the Broncos interior offensive linemen is engaged in a block with star Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams , maybe dont try splitting the gap this time.

News and notes A heavy, driving rain Friday in West Virginia altered plans for the Broncos final practice of the week.

The team was driven inside for a walk-through practice at the indoor tennis complex inside the resort.

A little audible, Payton said.

Its part of the deal.

I kind of like it.

It was good.

I didnt realize they had this facility.

Advertisement Wide receiver Josh Reynolds said hes done a walk-through on a basketball court and a hotel ballroom during his time in the NFL .

But Fridays arrangement was new.

First time on a tennis court, Reynolds said with a laugh.

GO DEEPER Running back Tyler Badie has earned more chances to revive Broncos' rush attack Reynolds said he has been dealing with tendinitis in his Achilles since the end of training camp.

He was limited in practice Wednesday but participated fully Thursday and Friday.

Itll flare up every once in a while, but ultimately its solid, he said.

Linebacker Cody Barton said hell be the one relaying play calls to Denvers defense in place of Alex Singleton , who suffered a season-ending ACL tear Sunday.

Barton, a free-agent signing of the Broncos in the offseason, previously had those green dot duties with the Commanders and Seahawks .

Its not new to me, Barton said.

I feel comfortable calling it.

Its nothing crazy.

Safety JL Skinner (ankle) is listed as out for Sundays game.

The rest of the active roster is available.

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