Orlovsky Says Nix Must Play Perfectly to Beat Chiefs

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Bo Nix must deliver a near-flawless performance on Sunday to prove the Broncos can compete with the Kansas City Chiefs. Orlovsky told The Denver Post that this matchup offers Nix a chance to recapture the form seen in previous seasons. He described the game as a springboard for the team rather than a simple step in the regular season.

The stakes are high because Nix struggled in the season opener against the same opponent. In that Week 1 loss, Nix completed 17 of 28 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His passer rating was 69.2, which ranks as the 10th lowest of his career. He was sacked four times and forced into three fumbles, both career highs for him.

Statistical data shows the issue is not limited to that single game. According to Next Gen Stats, Nix has the second lowest passer rating in the NFL against the blitz. His completion rate against extra rushers sits at 40.5%, the worst in the league. That figure is six percentage points lower than the next closest quarterback.

Head coach Sean Payton noted that teams have tried to copy the Chiefs' defensive scheme. Spagnuolo brings extra linebackers and safeties to the line of scrimmage to confuse the quarterback. Payton explained that it is harder to identify these pressures on the road. At home, the offense can use motion to reveal which defenders are actually blitzing. On the road, defenders can hide their intentions until the snap.

Nix said he has reviewed the Week 1 tape several times. He acknowledged that the loss was not what he wanted. He added that he cannot play the same game twice. He plans to treat Sunday's contest as a completely different event.

Orlovsky pointed to specific plays from the recent win over the Cardinals as positive signs. He cited Nix's first throw to Courtland Sutton and a back-shoulder pass to Jaylen Waddle. However, the analyst still sees inconsistencies. He noted that Nix sometimes plays too fast and fails to see open receivers. Orlovsky said Nix needs the courage to throw deep and use his legs to extend plays.

The Broncos have the sixth lowest pressure rate against blitzes in the league at 36.6%. Nix completed four of 12 blitzed passes for 61 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals last week. Orlovsky said the offense is not yet ready for a smooth performance. He described the task against the Chiefs as a real challenge.