Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix went toe to toe with Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday. Nix put the Broncos in position to win the game at the end, but the Chiefs blocked Wil Lutz’s last-second field goal attempt to seal a 16-14 result.
After the game, Mahomes praised Nix for his leadership and told the rookie it was just the first of many matchups they’ll have in the future. Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton also gave his opponent a positive review.
“I think he does a good job of taking what’s given to him,” Bolton said. “They make it easy for him with reads and pre-snap movement and getting to the line early. I think those things help him progress as the game goes on and he tries to get the feel for it.
“He can also use his legs – that’s something that’s going to be a challenge for us as we continue to play him next time. He can use his legs to extend the play and get out of the pocket, he has great ‘escapability’ and great feel for the game. He’s definitely going to be a challenge for us.”
Nix completed 73.3% of his passes for 215 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers against the Chiefs. He didn’t have an impact on the ground on Kansas City, but Nix’s 290 rushing yards this season rank fifth among QBs and his four rushing touchdowns are tied for third.
For the first time since Peyton Manning’s retirement, the Broncos appear to have a quarterback who can challenge the Chiefs.
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