Tag: running quarterbacks

Bo Nix’s ‘escapability’ is big for Broncos’ offense

“I’ve always used the escapability and used my skill set to my advantage,” Broncos QB Bo Nix of his ability to make plays with his legs.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed off his mobility in the team’s 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.

Nix improvised when he needed to, scrambling to pick up yards, and he also made the most of designed runs, finishing the day with nine carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. His 22-yard run in the third quarter after escaping a near-sack went viral on social media.

That kind of mobility can cause nightmares for defenses.

“I’ve always used the escapability and used my skill set to my advantage,” Nix said this week. “When you’re younger, you can kind of play with it and see what you can get away with and all that kind of stuff. At times, it can also get you in trouble because you miss a few reads and you get to scrambling or escaping too soon.

“I feel like the right timing — there’s always a progression, and then you just feel it and it’s time to go. Sometimes you do it right and sometimes you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I had gotten out sooner,’ or, ‘I wish I would’ve hung on that route a little bit longer.’ When it works right and you’re doing it well, it’s good to see and it’s efficient for the offense.”

It’s only a three-game sample size, but Nix is currently on pace for the second-best rushing season by a quarterback in franchise history (only behind Tim Tebow). Nix has 18 carries for 107 yards so far this year.

“I think anytime your quarterback is a threat with his legs it’s an added element the defense has to account for,” offensive coordinator Joe Lomabardi said. “I don’t think we had more of those in this gameplan. They just kind of got called at a time where the run presented itself where he kept it off his reads. I think it’s something that’s always been in the plans.

“Some games they force you to go get it; some games they give you opportunity to pull him to get some yards. He’s an athletic guy. I think we’re always aware that whether it’s on design runs, read runs, or scrambling off a pass, it definitely gives the defense something more to worry about.”

The rookie quarterback will look to continue making plays with his legs when the Broncos face the New York Jets in Week 4.

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Colin Cowherd believes Bears QB Justin Fields has an ego problem

Buckle up, Bears fans. Your favorite media personality has another questionable Justin Fields take.

Don’t look now Chicago Bears fans, but your favorite media personality is at it again. It seems FS1’s Colin Cowherd has a monthly quota he needs to hit when talking about the Bears, specifically quarterback Justin Fields, and he recently had another hot take that has fans up in arms.

On Wednesday’s edition of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”, Fields and his top-five running quarterback list became a topic of conversation. Cowherd wasn’t happy that the quarterback listed himself in that list, which also included Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton, Michael Vick, and Steve Young. The host went as far to say that Fields lacks self-awareness because he named himself to the list and seems to have an ego instead of confidence. “At quarterback, you’re the face of the franchise and you’re the coach on the field. So I’m going to hold you to a much higher standard of self-awareness and confidence over ego and chutzpah,” Cowherd said. “This isn’t the end of the world, it’s five percent. But I don’t love it for a quarterback that’s 5-20 and right now is closer to a bust than a star.”

The FS1 personality compared Fields to players like Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, and Jameis Winston for having egos instead of confidence at the position. All because Fields named himself in a list of the top running quarterbacks in NFL history after he produced 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games while also breaking multiple records in the process. His 1,143 rushing yards were second-most for a quarterback in league history, only behind Jackson.

Cowherd believes Fields should have left himself off the list because of his lack of accomplishments in the win column. And though he repeatedly said that it wasn’t a big deal, the host continued to harp on the point.

Fields knows he needs to improve in certain areas heading into Year 3 and would be the first person to say that. In nearly every press conference, he’s exuded humility and a quiet confidence surrounding his abilities. If anything, him acknowledging his prowess as a running quarterback is the first hint of any ego at all.

It was another questionable take from Cowherd, who has had a few of those regarding the Bears in the last 12 months. But fans were having none of it on Twitter.