Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Could Jayden Daniels' slump open the door for Bo Nix to snag OROY?

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Nov 16, 2024 12:27 PM ET

The Washington Commanders have lost two straight games after starting the season red hot at 7-2.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels did not put his best foot forward in either performance, earning a dreary 36.1 QBR in Week 10 then dropping to a 22.1 in Week 11.

Despite accruing a combined 393 passing yards, he only managed to throw one touchdown while tossing a pick and taking six sacks in the two-week span.

Daniels, picked No. 2 overall in April, soared to become the Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite after his first nine games. He still manages to sit there, per DraftKings, but Denver quarterback Bo Nix has been steadily creeping up.

In fact, Nix has outperformed Daniels in six key categories over their past six games (Week 11 not included).

Player	Cmp %	Pass Yards	Pass TDs	INTs	Rating	TD %	Sacks	Rush Yards	Rush/Rec TDs
Daniels	59.6	1,250	6	1	95.3	3.8	11	246	0
Nix	66.1	1,308	9	2	98.1	4.8	13	180	3

Nix has seemed to hit his own stride of late despite Denver going 3-3 in that stretch. Winning always helps, and that gives Daniels the "eye test" advantage — for the moment.

Washington is 2-2 since Daniels sustained a minor rib injury that removed him from the team's first drive against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 20. That injury may be affecting his play.

There's still a lot of football to be played, but if Daniels is cooling off, then the door could be open for Nix.

Denver's home contest against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday will be a major opportunity for him to continue making his underdog case for the first-year award.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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