Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's performance hampered by fear and ankle concerns, insiders say
NFL insider James Palmer says Bo Nix's hesitancy and conservative play stem from lingering anxiety over an ankle injury, prompting Broncos coaches to urge him to regain confidence.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has appeared tentative since the start of the 2026 season, according to NFL insider James Palmer, who cited a lingering fear of contact after an ankle injury. Palmer, who has connections to the Broncos front office, said the quarterback is focusing on avoiding turnovers rather than pursuing aggressive plays, which has led to a conservative approach on the field.
Palmer noted that Nix now leads the league in passes thrown behind the line of scrimmage and that 63% of his throws are outside the numbers, resulting in a low yards-per-attempt average. The reduced willingness to throw downfield or target the middle of the field has limited the effectiveness of receivers Courtland Sutton, Evan Engram and newly acquired Jaylen Waddle.
The Broncos are reportedly encouraging Nix to run more aggressively, but Palmer said the quarterback often seeks the sidelines and avoids taking extra yards, reflecting a “gun-shy” mindset. This hesitancy extends to pocket presence, with Nix exiting clean pockets early and limiting the time available for receivers to run routes.
Head coach Sean Payton has publicly urged Nix to "let 'er rip" and trust his reads, but recent games against the Seattle Seahawks showed limited improvement, with the Broncos struggling on third-down conversions and the running game.
Despite the concerns, the Broncos are not considering a quarterback change, citing Nix's 18-3 record in his last 21 starts. Palmer suggested that a more favorable schedule and a strong performance could help Nix regain confidence and return to his pre-injury form.