The Broncos fell to the Steelers 13-6. Bo Nix and the offense struggled for the second straight week while the defense played a solid game. It felt like a repeat of last week's game where Bo Nix threw for 2 interceptions, one of them being a bad decision in the red zone, the run game was underwhelming, just totaling 64 yards and Nix had 25 of those yards. The run game has to be better especially when you have a young QB. With Nix struggling the way it is, he needs to come help and not only has the run game let him down, but the receivers have not done their job in terms of making the extra plays after the catch and there have been numerous occasions already this season where they have dropped the ball in crucial situations.
After watching the highlights, it seems to me that Nix is very jittery in the pocket with his footwork and drifts a lot when throwing a lot of his passes which I feel is a big reason for him not having success when throwing the ball more than 20 yards. The hope is that he settles more in the pocket and trusts his protection as the year goes on. But as of now, his biggest issue is footwork and that has led to some head-scratching throws when pushing the ball downfield.
The Steeler's defense is also one of the best in the league so we have to consider that when looking at Nix and his early struggles. His first 2 games have been against a Mike McDonald-coached defense in Seattle and a Steelers defense that has been one of the best in the league the last half decade led by their incredible pass rusher in TJ Watt who recorded another sack today. As fans, we can't just look at the stats and give up on him. Yes, it is not pretty but he has had as difficult a start as you can have to a career in terms of opposing defenses. Next week won't be easy either as he will be playing the Bucs' defense in Tampa who did a good job on the explosive Lions' offense. My panic meter on Nix is still very low. My worry is more about the run game and the inability of the receivers to make plays after the catch.
On a positive note, the defense has looked very good and looks much improved from their counterparts from a year ago as the run defense and pass rush just seem leaps and bounds better, and trust me, it will be important down the stretch once the offense starts to figure it out.
Have faith Broncos Country! Onto Tampa Bay!
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