Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has made some big plays on the ground this season, rushing 58 times for 295 yards, 27 first downs and four touchdowns through nine games.
Nix’s mobility puts a huge strain on defenses, especially when the quarterback buys time and then finds a receiver down the field. Last week, he did a great job finding running back Javonte Williams in the middle of the field for a first down on a scramble drill.
Scramble drills involve improvisation, but Broncos coach Sean Payton has said there’s a method to the madness.
“Well, we coach a scramble drill,” Payton said on Wednesday. “We have rules. Widest, flush, clear, second. Certainly, you want guys moving in the direction of the quarterback. Javonte kind of came out of it, and so there’s a point at which we’re not going to throw it all the way back.
“That was a heads up play and generally, guys with good football IQ do well in scramble drills. Generally, guys maybe that aren’t so tuned in maybe struggle with it, but it is something especially when you have a quarterback like Bo.”
This week, Denver will face one of the NFL’s best scrambling quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs star has given the Broncos plenty of headaches over the years on scramble drills. Nix and Co. will look to return the favor on Sunday.
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