The 2023 season was one of the most impressive for transfer portal quarterbacks in the new era, with Oregon signal-caller Bo Nix shining as one of the biggest headliners.
Nix completely rewrote his narrative when he transferred from Auburn to Oregon ahead of the 2022 season. He played well enough to be an early-round draft pick that year, but chose to stay for 2023.
The signal-caller kept on an upward trajectory once more, finishing out the 2023 season with a 77.4% completion rate, passing for 4,508 yards with 45 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
These numbers are impressive, yet some have argued those stats are a product of checking the ball down or not a pure reflection of Nix's talent in its own right.
Curiously enough for the doubters, though, Nix's average of 9.6 yards per attempt ranks in the top 10 in the category nationally.
I spoke with Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein earlier in the week on the negative narratives surrounding his quarterback.
"I think it's an absolute joke narrative to be honest," he said. "We are a West Coast system passing game, which is a catch and run game. We throw slants, we throw hitches, we throw a true quick game. Bo is a master of taking what the defense gives us and we're going to take our plenty of shots per game."
Stein says when the defense is "panic dropping out and retreating" as defenders are backing up, the team makes it a point to throw the ball underneath to names like running back Bucky Irving, wide receivers Troy Franklin and Tez Johnson and tight end Terrance Ferguson.
Those are passing targets with the proven ability to catch and run for at least 20 yards.
"I think (the narrative surrounding Bo Nix is) hysterical. I think it's a product of 'they hate us cause they ain't us' type thing and I'll let them say that for the rest of time," Stein said.
Stein describes Nix as "a true master at work" and a huge part of the best year of quarterback play that he has ever been a part of.
"He throws the ball on-time... They can have all types narratives they want, but to me, it's a sign of having a quarterback who knows exactly what he wants to go with the ball," Stein said.
At the end of the day with everything else aside, the goal of the offensive effort in the game of football comes down to one thing. That's moving the football forward.
"And let's be honest, the fans like completions," Stein said. "So, check-down sometimes is not a sign of weakness. I tell the players that all the time."
Looking at Nix's tape, there's no shortage of proof that he's had success throwing the football at all levels of the field and is operating a scheme that puts a ton of responsibility on the quarterback -- both pre and post-snap --exactly the way he's being asked to.
Nix's football IQ, strengths as a passer, athleticism, ability to improvise and overall leadership are all things that will benefit his transition to the next level.
There's a lot to like and not a lot to pick apart in Stein's eyes.
"If people want to talk trash about a guy who threw for 4,500, 45 touchdowns and three picks, 78 percent completion rate, then I'll let them do that all day.
"It sounds like their problem, not ours."
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