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Com TW NOw News 2024

Bad decisions ruin rookie QB’s Broncos debut
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Bad decisions ruin rookie QB’s Broncos debut

Statistics: 26 of 42 passing, 138 yards, 2 INTs, and a rushing touchdown.

Highlight: The pretty moments were few and far between. But in the final seconds of the second quarter, Nix completed a 25-yard pass near the sideline to wide receiver Josh Reynolds. In what was Nix’s best throw of the afternoon, he helped set up kicker Wil Lutz for a 45-yard field goal. Nix showed off his legs in the fourth quarter when he ran to his right, pump-fake and spun into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown with 2:09 left in regulation.

Low point: The Broncos faced a third-and-9 early in the second quarter when Nix attempted to force the ball to wide receiver Courtland Sutton in the end zone and was intercepted by Seattle safety Julian Love. It was a poor decision to throw the ball, as Sutton had two defenders surrounding him. Nix nearly had his second interception when he threw the ball into the chest of Tyrel Dodson, but the Seahawks linebacker was unable to secure the interception.

Analysis: Nix looked rattled. Even head coach Sean Payton’s conservative play calls weren’t enough to calm him down. His mechanics weren’t right. He was late on multiple throws. And his feet were nervous. In the second quarter, Nix seemed desperate to make a play and eventually put the ball in jeopardy. He had the interception and then attempted a throw to Sutton in double coverage, forcing the Broncos to settle for a field goal. There were also times when Nix struggled to decide whether to throw the ball or keep it and run. And short passes to Jaleel McLaughlin didn’t generate much yardage. The Broncos spent the offseason touting Nix’s college experience and maturity. On Sunday, he looked like a deer in the highlights.

Unsung hero

RB Kenneth Walker: Walker was tough to slow down on Sunday. The Seahawks starting running back rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He created momentum for the Seahawks in the third quarter, running 23 yards down the sideline before leaping over the goal line for a score. Walker left the game in the fourth quarter because of abdominal pain.