The Denver Broncos' offensive woes have fallen largely on the shoulders of quarterback Bo Nix and coach Sean Payton in the wake of the onslaught of issues under center. Payton took over play-calling duties
from offensive coordinator Davis Webb after Week 4, but the Broncos continued their struggles as Nix failed to hit 130 yards passing in Weeks 5 and 6, with just two passing touchdowns in the past three weeks.Payton spoke of Nix's resiliency, and acknowledged that everyone, including himself, can do better in remarks to Denver media members after practice on Wednesday.
"I think he’s seen a lot," Payton said of Nix. "I shared this with you guys, and I’ll say it again: I have to be better just relative to in the course of the game. Each game takes
on a different feel or style. Collectively, I think his play will be a byproduct of all of us doing our jobs better.”
In return, Nix spoke of Payton's leadership and help as they collectively go through these struggles together. Nix also pointed to the job he's doing under center.
"He’s been a really good leader right now," Nix said of Payton. "We need that. I think it goes back to us. I have to play better. We have to play better. The offense has to play better. He’s going to take his [blame] and that’s what great leaders do. I feel like I can overcome some of the stuff that is putting us in a bad spot, and I feel like I can play better."
As part of his own self-reflection, Nix says he's poured over every part of his game, trying to solve the issues he's facing personally. Though Nix has been a slow starter since coming into the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the numbers he has put up to start 2026 have been bleak. In spite of the numbers, Nix says everything is going to turn out alright.
"I’ve looked at my preparation," Nix said. "I’ve looked at my process, and I’ve tried to see anything that can be moved around or be changed so that I can overcome and just figure out ways to put us in a better spot. For us, if Coach is saying that, if I’m saying that, we have plenty of leadership on offense saying that, we’re going to be just fine. We’re going to be OK.”
Payton said it will take a collective effort to improve the play on the field.
"I think we as coaches... I know myself, we internally look at ourselves and the plan and [ask], ‘How do we become more efficient,'" Payton said. "So it always is that self-lens. I think we always look at it that way as teachers.”
Week 7 will be a crucial test for Payton, Nix and the coaching staff as a whole. Since the Arizona Cardinals are ranking near or at the bottom of passing defense, the Broncos have a great opportunity to unleash their attack, and provide vindication for Nix and Payton in the weeks ahead.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton and Bo Nix each accept blame for QB’s recent struggles
