It’s been a season full of surprises for the Denver Broncos, and FOX Sports’ Mark Schlereth has been ahead of the curve. With the Broncos sitting at a surprising 9-5 record, many are now asking how this team—led by a rookie quarterback and with a struggling running game—has managed to turn things around. Schlereth, however, isn’t surprised in the slightest. In fact, he’s been saying it all along.
From the beginning of the season, Schlereth was one of the few who believed that the Broncos would far exceed expectations. While Vegas had set the over/under for wins at 5.5, Schlereth boldly predicted that the Broncos would win far more than that. At 9-5, Denver is now making a legitimate push for the playoffs, and Schlereth’s early optimism is looking spot on.
Despite Nix being a rookie and the Broncos dealing with a porous running game, Payton and his staff trusted him to carry the offense. Schlereth, a former NFL offensive lineman, knows what it takes to succeed in the league and believes that Nix has the tools to thrive. He’s not only impressed by Nix’s talent on the field but also by his mental acumen and preparation.
Schlereth highlights Nix’s football IQ as one of the standout qualities. Nix, who has shown the ability to process and recall a large portion of the playbook, has impressed coaches and teammates alike. Schlereth points out that, while other quarterbacks may struggle to learn complex schemes, Nix was able to digest the playbook quickly and efficiently—an attribute that speaks volumes about his preparedness and work ethic.
Nix’s ability to take on the responsibility of leading a team with a struggling running game has been another key factor in Denver’s success. While the Broncos’ running attack has been “atrocious,” as Schlereth puts it, Nix has been able to step up and put the team on his shoulders. Despite being pressured with rookie receivers and no significant tight-end production, Nix has delivered when it matters most.
Take, for instance, the Broncos’ recent victory, where Nix threw three interceptions early in the game. Instead of folding under pressure, Nix bounced back to throw three touchdown passes and kept the Broncos in the game—showing the mental toughness that Schlereth has praised throughout the season.
Another crucial element of Nix’s game that Schlereth believes has been vital to the Broncos’ success is his quick release. Nix’s ability to avoid sacks and get the ball out of his hands quickly has been one of the reasons he has excelled in an offense that is still finding its footing. Schlereth is quick to emphasize that while arm strength gets a lot of attention, it’s being on time and accurate with the ball that truly matters—and that’s where Nix excels.
In fact, Schlereth goes as far as to call “arm talent” overrated. He believes that the ability to throw a ball 65 yards downfield is not a critical indicator of a quarterback’s success in the NFL. Instead, timing and accuracy—qualities that Nix has shown consistently—are far more important, and Schlereth has no doubt that Nix’s on-time throws and quick release will continue to help the Broncos thrive.
As the Broncos push for a playoff spot, Schlereth’s confidence in Nix and the team’s prospects only continues to grow. While there are still some holes to fill, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, the Broncos’ defense has been solid, and Nix has proven he can handle the pressure of leading this team.
In the end, Schlereth’s early predictions about the Broncos and Bo Nix have proven to be right on the money. With Payton’s leadership and Nix’s impressive play, the Broncos have become a playoff contender in a season many thought was lost before it even began. Schlereth couldn’t have been more clear in his assessment: Told ya so!
