Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky absolutely unloaded on Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix Monday, declaring Nix is ‘really struggling’ with his footwork and failing to make reads, even dubbing his current on-field decision-making ‘panic.’
Bo Nix’s ‘Panic’ Problem
Orlovsky didn’t mince words on The Pat McAfee Show, breaking down Nix’s critical issues. “Bo is one and almost panic right now,” Orlovsky explained, laying out the problem: if the No. 1 receiver is open, Nix is fine. If the No. 2 guy is there, he might cut it loose. But if those first options aren’t there? It’s “oh gosh,” and the panic sets in.
This isn’t just a new thing, either. Orlovsky pointed out that Nix is currently struggling immensely with his pocket presence, specifically his feet and maintaining calmness when forced to move past his initial read to find a second or third option. This footwork issue has apparently plagued Nix since he entered the league, and now it looks like he’s losing confidence in his ability to make plays when his primary target isn’t open right away. That’s a brutal problem for any QB.
Winning Ugly, Losing Confidence
The Broncos snagged a 23-17 win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but let’s be real, it wasn’t pretty. The Chargers were “heavily depleted,” and plenty of people felt Denver should have handled them way easier. A lot of that blame is landing squarely on Nix, just like it did last week after a 10-point loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
We’re seeing it on the field: Nix isn’t making timely throws, and he’s flat-out missing reads in a ton of situations. Even his new wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle, looked visibly frustrated this Sunday. Here’s the kicker: the Broncos are reportedly calling the right plays, and Nix is getting clean pockets to throw from. He’s just not executing. The plays aren’t getting made.
Orlovsky’s message to the Broncos coaching staff was crystal clear: “They’ve got to get that figured out.” Because honestly, if these core struggles don’t drastically change, the Broncos’ ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl is going to be incredibly difficult to reach. It’s a huge problem, and it needs a fix, like, yesterday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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