Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix faced a lot of scrutiny throughout the season, mostly for having to lead the team to multiple comeback victories. This was a metric in which the second-year passer actually led the NFL during the regular season. However, after the Broncos’ loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, the conversation around Nix shifted dramatically.

It became evident just how much the Broncos missed their starting quarterback. The team’s performance without him highlighted his importance to the offense and the overall dynamics of the team.

The Impact of Nix’s Absence

All week leading up to the game, Broncos players and coaches spoke highly of seventh-year veteran Jarrett Stidham, who took over as the starter in Nix’s absence. Stidham started strong, guiding the Broncos to a touchdown on their second offensive drive after a three-and-out on the first.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated. Stidham finished with 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 54.8% completion. He also took three sacks. Notably, 52 of those yards came on a single play during the touchdown drive.

The frustration over the Broncos’ circumstances was evident in the media and fan reactions. “Woulda, coulda, shoulda but Bo Nix’s game would have flourished in the snow,” wrote 9News’ Mike Klis on X after the game. This sentiment echoed among many observers who felt that Nix’s presence could have made a significant difference.

Nix’s Injury and the Aftermath

Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Buffalo Bills, which required surgery and ended his season. Despite not being on the field, he was present at the game and drew attention simply by being there.

Still, his absence from the contest that ended in a 10-7 loss was a common topic of discussion. Stidham’s performance only emphasized what Nix brings to the table when he is healthy and playing.

“The question will always loom: What would have happened if Bo Nix didn’t get hurt?” wrote Zac Stevens of DNVR on X. James Palmer of The Athletic and Bleacher Report also reflected on Nix’s situation, saying, “All Bo Nix can do is shake his head as he rides a scooter onto the elevator at Mile High. What a season for the second year QB and the Broncos.”

Nix’s Regular Season Performance

Nix finished the regular season with impressive numbers. He completed 63.4% of his passes for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His value to the Broncos extends beyond these statistics.

Bennie Fowler, a former Broncos player, commented on the impact of Nix’s potential presence in the AFC Championship game. “If Bo Nix plays in this game, I think it’s a completely different story. Just based off of the fact you saw with their young quarterback had to do today to win the game, and Drake Maye had 10 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. And to me, when the weather goes bad like that, that’s where Bo would have shined, and keeping those plays alive,” Fowler said on the “DNVR Broncos Podcast” postgame.

Co-host Ryan Koenigsberg added, “It was a tall task for Stiddy anyway. But you think— you can only just imagine if Bo plays in this game, what happens in this game. It’s just unfortunate. So, that’s my immediate, first takeaway, is what if both teams are healthy?”

He went on to declare that Nix is “special,” that it was “time to give Bo Nix his flowers,” and that the “Bo Nix era has only just begun.”