The Denver Broncos secured a 4-2 record after their narrow win over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, but the performance of quarterback Bo Nix drew sharp criticism from former NFL player Ryan Fitzpatrick. Speaking on The NFL on Prime postgame, Fitzpatrick described Nix’s play as “almost disrespectful to the quarterback position,” a harsh judgment that nonetheless reflects troubling numbers from Nix’s outing.
Denver’s offense managed only 168 total yards, the lowest ever recorded in an NFL overtime victory, according to ESPN’s Ben Solak. While the Broncos’ offensive struggles can’t be pinned solely on Nix, the quarterback was a central figure in the inefficiency on display. Fitzpatrick’s frustration stems from more than just the overall yardage; CBS Sports analyst Doug Clawson highlighted that Nix’s average pass traveled just 4.9 air yards per attempt. This ranks 701st out of 701 qualified quarterback seasons through six games over the last 20 years.
The statistical report also showed that in the second half of the game, Nix’s passes were thrown behind the line of scrimmage, a rare and concerning pattern for an NFL starter. This tendency to avoid downfield throws isn’t new for Nix in 2026. Across the season so far, he has consistently favored short, conservative passes, a strategy that has limited his team’s offensive explosiveness.
Last season, Nix threw for 3,931 yards with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 17 regular-season games. His success in 2025 may explain his comfort with a cautious, quick-release style. However, the current numbers suggest this approach may not be sustainable. The Broncos’ win over the Seahawks was more a product of defensive resilience and game management than offensive firepower.
Fitzpatrick’s criticism, though severe, reflects concerns about the Broncos’ offensive identity under Nix. His comment that Nix is “not playing competitively” echoes the unease that many analysts share about the quarterback’s reluctance to push the ball downfield. The Broncos remain level with the Kansas City Chiefs atop the AFC West, but their offense’s limited yardage and conservative passing game could pose challenges as the season progresses.
Bo Nix’s style contrasts sharply with the expectations for a starting quarterback in today’s NFL, where stretching the field and challenging defenses vertically are often key to success. Despite the team’s current standing, the Broncos’ offense may struggle if Nix’s passing remains confined to short gains behind the line of scrimmage.
The latest figures and Fitzpatrick’s comments underline a growing debate about Nix’s role and effectiveness. While the Broncos have secured a winning record, the quarterback’s conservative approach and the team’s low offensive output in Thursday’s game suggest that questions about their passing game will continue to surface.
According to Yahoo Sports.