Bo Nix’s slow starts haunt Broncos: can new OC Davis Webb fix it?

Bo Nix’s first-quarter struggles cost Denver wins last season: and the numbers prove it

Bo Nix posted a 79.8 passer rating in first quarters last season, dead last among 33 qualifying quarterbacks. His 65 percent completion rate ranked 31st, and he averaged just 6.1 yards per attempt in the opening stanza. Those early struggles forced Denver to adjust its game plan against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs on 12 Jan 2025.

What happened in Buffalo? A rare win built on Bo Nix’s best early start

With the Broncos’ defense gassed after 15 of 18 previous plays, Sean Payton unleashed a no-huddle blitz. Bo Nix burned the Bills for 289 yards and three touchdowns, beating Josh Allen in a postseason shootout. The Broncos ran four straight plays without a huddle, capped by a 7-yard TD to Frank Crum on third-and-1. Payton called it “street ball.” Nix’s 127.1 passer rating on no-huddle attempts in first quarters (14-of-16 for 152 yards and one score) showed what’s possible when Denver speeds things up early.

Why it matters for Bo Nix’s third season under Davis Webb

Nix has won 25 games as Denver’s starter, including eight fourth-quarter comebacks and 10 game-winning drives since 2024: both tied for the NFL lead. But those late heroics often mask sluggish starts. The Broncos avoid shallow crossing routes early because Nix tends to overthrow, leading to tipped passes and turnovers. Webb, the new offensive coordinator, wants to use tempo to counteract that. Last December against Green Bay, Nix went 7-of-7 on no-huddle plays for 95 yards, mostly in the first half. The lesson: more rhythm early equals fewer comebacks later.

What comes next? Webb’s plan to fix Bo Nix’s slow starts

Webb won’t copy-paste last year’s game plans, but he’ll explore adding early tempo. The Broncos already used no-huddle bursts successfully at times, but consistency is the issue. Nix’s 79.8 first-quarter passer rating and 6.1 yards per attempt since 2024 rank near the bottom of the league. If Webb can push Denver to operate faster from the opening drive, Nix’s third season could look a lot smoother: and the Broncos’ offense a lot sharper.