ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — There's no substitute for experience.
And as Bo Nix reflected on his rookie season, the chance to gain valuable lessons from 18 starts across the regular season and playoffs was among the biggest takeaways from a prolific first campaign.
"It was huge," Nix said. "I think the best experience is going out there and doing it. When you see it — OK, say you're on the sideline seeing somebody else do it, you still — once you get in there — you're feeling those moments for the first time. And that could be a year or two later. It was a blessing to be able to play right away. [I] learned a lot. I feel like I'm further ahead, further along than what I would be had I not. Again, it goes back to just the appreciation for the organization [and] coaches — where I'm at right now and the ability to go out there and perform at a high level with the guys."
Nix proved plenty during his initial season in Denver, as he set nearly every franchise rookie record and provided Broncos Country with long-term hope at the position.
"When you have a quarterback in this league, you can go a long ways," tackle Garett Bolles said. "I think he's just scratching the surface of what he can do [and] what he can do for this team."
In throwing for the second-most touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history and guiding the Broncos to their first 10-win season since 2015, Nix showed off his accuracy, big-play ability and athleticism. He posted multiple games with a completion percentage of at least 80 percent and a passer rating of 140.0, and he also delivered down-the-field shots in big moments against the Browns, Bengals and Bills. He used his legs to keep defenses off balance, and he caught a highlight reel touchdown pass against the Ravens.
The physical traits and big plays were only part of what made Nix stand out in his first season as a Bronco. In big moments, he rose to the occasion. Nix led the Broncos down the field to attempt a game-winning field goal against the Chiefs, and he went drive-for-drive with Joe Burrow in the second half of a win-and-in game. Needing a win in Week 18, Nix completed his first 18 passes and left no doubt as he led Denver to its first postseason berth in nearly a decade.
"He's constantly showed up when we needed a big drive or something at the end of the half or a play," Head Coach Sean Payton said ahead of Week 18. "If you really track his career, it's littered with those moments."
Nix's work ethic, too, was evident to his teammates and set an example across the roster.
"Bo captured this locker room by the way that he works, by the person that he is and the way that he progressed," tackle Mike McGlinchey said. "It takes a lot of hard work to get better week-in and week-out. It takes a lot of focus, and a lot of the guys aren't ready to commit themselves to that. I think Bo is certainly a shining example of that, and it permeated through our locker room. The improvement from him going forward is just going to be exponential."
And in playing through a back injury in Week 13 against the Browns, Nix proved his toughness and mettle to the locker room, as well.
"He never flinched all year, whether he was playing in his first game or playing injured," guard Quinn Meinerz said. "That shows his toughness and his competitiveness, and you see it on display every single week."
Added running back Jaleel McLaughlin: "Man, he's tough as nails."
What's next after a season in which Nix finished sixth among all NFL quarterbacks in passing touchdowns and became just the fourth rookie quarterback to earn multiple Player of the Week honors?
After physical recovery and a self-scout, Nix said he'll dive into improving in the most critical moments of the game.
"Right off the top is just understanding the difference in the NFL and what I learned this year with red zone and third down," Nix said. "That's the most important part of the game, and so I feel like the red-zone and third-down areas on the field are where I can [grow] and understand and be a little bit more aware of certain situations. ... [It's about] just what I can do differently for next year and keep us on the field for longer."
Should Nix make strides after an already impressive rookie season, it could also keep the Broncos in the field longer. After his playoff debut in Buffalo, Nix and his teammates are searching for an extended postseason run — and his projected development has his teammates believing in Denver's ability to take the next step.
"All the teams that are in the playoffs right now, they all have quarterbacks," Bolles said. "I think we do have one — I really do. I think we have one of the best. And I think he was just scratching the surface of what he can do."
