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ESPN Analyst Questions Bo Nix’s Style Ahead of Broncos-Chargers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 1:16 PM ET

The lead-up to Sunday’s Denver Broncos-Los Angeles Chargers game has featured no shortage of commentary on how Broncos quarterback Bo Nix can get his sophomore season back on track.

The key, at least according to ESPN NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal, is for Nix to stop trying to be someone he’s not.

During an appearance on ESPN colleague Mina Kimes’ podcast this week, Rosenthal ripped Nix for not taking “the plays that are there.” Although Nix completed 67.1% of his passes in Denver’s first two games, he’s already thrown three interceptions and is averaging 5.5 yards per attempt, well below last year’s 6.7.

“I feel like he went to Costco and bought like a family-level of dip this offseason,” Rosenthal said, referencing a long-running Kimes gag about quarterbacks. “Bo Nix is just out there, like trying to make these Patrick Mahomes-type plays… and it’s just a little too much.”

The subtle insult to Nix’s authenticity comes as analytics reflect poorly on the second-year quarterback. Pro Football Focus gave Nix a 40.4% overall grade through two games, the worst of all 40 eligible quarterbacks.

“Just get five yards a play, man,” Kimes suggested. “Just five yards a play. You gotta … just be able to grind it against this defense.”

Should the Denver Broncos Be Worried About Bo Nix?

We agree with Rosenthal and Kimes that Sunday’s road showdown against the Chargers is a pivotal game for Nix. However, we’re also not as down on Nix as Rosenthal seems to be, nor do we question his ability to be himself and channel his 2024 form.

Bo Nix's 3rd TD of the half goes to Adam Trautman!

DENvsIND on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/6d8ZWyvzKq
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2025

Nix hasn’t been sharp, but the narrative that he’s forcing every play isn’t fully supported by the numbers. He averaged 6.9 yards per attempt in a Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, which is right in line with last year’s 6.7 mark.

Pro-Football-Reference uses a Passing Success Rate metric, which defines a successful pass as gaining at least 40% of the yards required on first down, 60% on second down, and 100% on third or fourth down. Nix’s 43.7% success rate is the same as his rookie season, and no one complained then.

Rosenthal and Kimes are fully justified in feeling disappointed by what they’ve seen from Nix through eight quarters. It’s still early and unfair, though, to suggest his slow start is because he’s trying to be like Mahomes.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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