NFL54 min ago2 minute read

Bo Nix Silences Doubters With Big Run in Broncos Victory Over Cardinals

Sean Payton backed Bo Nix after the quarterback broke off a 62 yard touchdown run in Denver's 30-16 win against Arizona.

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Payton Backs Nix After Big Win

The Denver Broncos secured a 30-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Quarterback Bo Nix delivered a strong performance, leading his head coach Sean Payton to offer full support for his quarterback. Payton declared that Nix is their guy after the victory.

Nix finished the game with 222 passing yards and one touchdown. He also added 73 rushing yards, highlighted by a 62 yard touchdown run right before halftime. That sprint was the longest run of his NFL career.

Breaking Down the Big Play

The big run happened in the second quarter with the score tied at 6-6. Denver faced a second and seven from their own 38 yard line. Nix took the snap on a called pass play. Tight ends Evan Engram, Nate Adkins, and Adam Trautman, along with receiver Troy Franklin, cleared out the defense. Nix found open space down the field and took off.

Teammates praised his speed. Offensive tackle Garett Bolles compared Nix to a gazelle down the sideline. Receiver Marvin Mims Jr. noted how quickly Nix zoomed down the field. The play helped silence talk about Nix's right ankle, which had required two surgeries since January following a playoff injury against the Buffalo Bills. Nix asked after the game if people believed him now about his health.

Passing Game Takes Off

Before Sunday, Nix had faced heavy criticism for his passing numbers. He ranked near the bottom of the league in several passing categories, including yards per attempt and success rate. Denver had also struggled to generate big plays, producing just 13 plays of 20 yards or more in their first six games.

That changed against Arizona. Denver generated four plays of at least 20 yards alongside Nix's long touchdown run. Nix hit running back RJ Harvey for a 52 yard screen touchdown in the third quarter. He also connected with Mims on a 47 yard pass to set up another score, while completing passes of 20 yards to Courtland Sutton and 27 yards to Jaylen Waddle. The win moved Denver to 6-2 on the season.

What it means for the next game

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Denver Broncos win 46%, Kansas City Chiefs win 54%; projected score Denver Broncos 21, Kansas City Chiefs 20. Our safest pick: Broncos +8.5.