QB Bo Nix has best game as a pro and sets the Broncos' winning mark for rookie QBs with victory over the Panthers

DENVER – Before the Broncos' Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers, rookie quarterback Bo Nix said he still views being called a dual-threat quarterback as a positive.

That is, with a necessary caveat.

“I think it's a compliment when someone gives you the honor of throwing the ball,” Nix said with a laugh.

After Nix's performance in the 28-14 win over the Panthers, that glory is sure to come.

In his best statistical performance as a pro, Nix completed 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards, three touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 124.2. He also added a touchdown on the ground via a lunge at the goal line.

According to NFL Research, with this performance, Nix became the first quarterback in franchise history to score three touchdowns and score on the ground without throwing an interception. Even in games where Nix doesn't throw an interception, the Broncos are now 5-0.

Nix built his stats for much of the first half, completing 21 of 27 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns before halftime. Nix was firmly in control of the game and only attempted ten passes in the second half.

“I think we have it in our arsenal,” Nix said Sunday of Denver’s passing performance. “We just have to go out there and execute it like we did. I think we did a really good job of starting fast and early. We found a good rhythm there. Everyone on the field played. Receivers, tight ends.” “With the running backs, it didn't matter that the ball was spread out to a lot of positions, and I thought that was good for a defense to get all those guys the ball.”

After the Broncos fell behind 7-0, Nix led three consecutive touchdown drives – including a 92-yarder that gave the Broncos the lead for good – to build a 21-7 halftime lead. Nix completed three passes of at least 23 yards, including two gains of 37 yards, in the first half of Sunday's win.

“For a rookie quarterback, I think these are all steps,” head coach Sean Payton said. “Confidence increases. We saw it. The key is – and I said it – the key is in its environment. Are we good enough in these other positions around him? This is what we constantly pay attention to. We We have to paint the picture and if we can do that, we're going to move the ball a lot better today, better in the red zone.