Bo Nix's Mobility Adds Dimension to the Denver Broncos

In the modern NFL, a quarterback’s ability to move outside the pocket has become a game-changing asset—one that forces defenses to adjust their schemes and creates new opportunities for the offense. For the Denver Broncos, backup quarterback Bo Nix has turned this mobility into a defining strength, adding a dynamic layer to the team’s attack that wasn’t present in previous seasons. While Nix initially joined the Broncos as a reserve behind Russell Wilson, his ability to extend plays with his legs, pick up critical yards on the ground, and keep defenses off balance has made him a valuable weapon—even when coming off the bench. Through 12 games, Nix has rushed for 289 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and his mobility has directly led to 14 first downs that would have otherwise been lost. Bo Nix's Mobility Adds Dimension to the Denver Broncos explores how his running ability has transformed the Broncos’ offense, confused opposing defenses, and become a key part of the team’s success.

Bo Nix's Mobility Adds Dimension to the Denver Broncos begins with his ability to extend plays outside the pocket— a skill that turns broken passing plays into productive gains and keeps defenses on their heels. In Week 8, when Wilson was sidelined with a shoulder injury, Nix started against the Las Vegas Raiders and showcased this talent early. On a third-and-10 play in the second quarter, the Raiders’ defensive line collapsed the pocket, forcing Nix to scramble to his right. Instead of throwing the ball away, he sprinted down the sideline, evading two tacklers and picking up 15 yards for a first down. The drive ended with a touchdown, giving the Broncos a 14-7 lead. “Bo doesn’t just run to gain yards— he runs to keep plays alive,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said after the game. “When the pocket breaks down, most quarterbacks panic, but Bo sees it as an opportunity. He can extend plays for 5, 6, 7 seconds, which gives our receivers time to get open. That’s a dimension we didn’t have before.” Nix’s play-extending ability was on full display again in Week 10 against the New England Patriots, where he scrambled for 32 yards on a single drive, including a 12-yard run that set up a game-winning field goal. His mobility doesn’t just create rushing yards; it turns stalled drives into scoring opportunities.

A second key way Nix’s mobility adds value is his effectiveness in designed quarterback runs— plays that the Broncos have incorporated into their offense to exploit defenses’ focus on stopping the running back. Payton and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi have created specific packages for Nix that include zone reads, quarterback draws, and option plays—all of which leverage his speed and decision-making. In Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, Nix entered the game in the third quarter with the Broncos leading 17-14 and executed a perfectly timed zone read: he faked a handoff to Javonte Williams, drew the Cardinals’ linebacker toward the running back, then kept the ball and sprinted 20 yards into the end zone for a touchdown. The play not only extended the Broncos’ lead but also forced the Cardinals to adjust their defensive alignment for the rest of the game. “Designed runs with Bo force defenses to make a choice— do they focus on the running back or the quarterback?” Lombardi explained. “That split-second hesitation is all we need to create big plays. Bo’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on these plays makes them nearly impossible to stop.” Nix has thrived in these packages, converting 8 of 10 third-and-short situations with his legs— a success rate that ranks among the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL.

Bo Nix's Mobility Adds Dimension to the Denver Broncos also includes his role in neutralizing blitzes— a common defensive tactic that the Denver Broncos struggled to counter before Nix’s arrival. Defenses often send extra rushers to pressure the quarterback, hoping to force a sack or a bad throw. But Nix’s mobility allows him to escape these blitzes, either by running for yards or by buying time to find an open receiver. In Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chiefs blitzed on 60% of Nix’s dropbacks, but he avoided every sack and turned three of those blitzes into gains of 10+ yards. On one play, the Chiefs sent five rushers, but Nix scrambled left, evaded two defenders, and found tight end Greg Dulcich for a 17-yard completion. “Blitzing used to be a sure way to disrupt our offense, but Bo has changed that,” Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry said. “He can sense a blitz coming, and he knows how to escape it. That takes so much pressure off our offensive line— we don’t have to block every rusher because we know Bo can make defenses pay if they send too many.” For the Denver Broncos, this ability to counter blitzes has been a game-changer. The team has reduced its sack total by 35% in games where Nix plays significant snaps, and its third-down conversion rate has increased by 12%— directly tied to his ability to extend plays.

Another way Nix’s mobility adds dimension is his impact on red-zone offense— a area where the Denver Broncos have struggled in recent seasons but have improved with Nix on the field. In the red zone, space is limited, and defenses can stack the box to stop the run and cover all passing lanes. But Nix’s mobility creates new options: he can run a quarterback sneak for a touchdown, scramble to find an open receiver in the end zone, or draw defenders toward him to open up lanes for other players. This season, the Broncos have a 78% red-zone scoring rate when Nix is in the game— up from 62% when he’s on the bench. In Week 8 against the Raiders, Nix scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard sneak in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on the Raiders’ focus on stopping Williams. “The red zone is all about creating mismatches, and Bo’s mobility does that,” Payton said. “Defenses have to decide whether to cover our receivers or account for Bo’s running ability— they can’t do both. That’s why we’ve been so successful in the red zone with him.” For the Denver Broncos, this improvement in red-zone efficiency has turned close games into wins. In the four games where Nix played at least 20 snaps, the Broncos scored 12 red-zone touchdowns— more than they scored in the previous six games combined.

Finally, Bo Nix's Mobility Adds Dimension to the Denver Broncos wraps up with the long-term value of Nix’s mobility— how it complements Russell Wilson’s style and positions the Denver Broncos for sustained offensive success. While Wilson is a pocket passer who excels at throwing from a clean pocket, Nix’s mobility provides a contrast that keeps defenses guessing. The Broncos can now switch between two distinct quarterback styles— Wilson’s precision passing and Nix’s dynamic running— forcing defenses to adjust their game plans mid-game. This versatility was on display in Week 12 against the Cardinals, where Payton rotated Wilson and Nix based on the situation: Wilson handled most passing downs, while Nix came in on short-yardage and red-zone plays. The result was a balanced offense that scored 31 points and kept the Cardinals’ defense off balance all game. “Having both Russell and Bo gives us a tactical advantage that few teams have,” Paton said. “Defenses can’t prepare for just one type of quarterback— they have to prepare for two. That’s a huge benefit, especially in the playoffs.” For the Denver Broncos, Nix’s mobility isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s a long-term asset that will allow the team to adapt to different opponents and keep its offense fresh. As the Broncos push toward the playoffs, Nix’s ability to add dimension to the offense will be more important than ever— proving that a backup quarterback’s mobility can be just as valuable as a starter’s arm. Bo Nix's Mobility Adds Dimension to the Denver Broncos ultimately shows that in the NFL, versatility wins games— and the Broncos have found a versatile weapon in Bo Nix.