Is Sean Payton covering for Bo Nix after rough Week 1 outing?

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looked like he might be entering a second-year skid in Week 1, but head coach Sean Payton insists he's to blame for Nix's struggles.

Sean Payton says Bo Nix's Week 1 struggles tied to his play calling

"I don't know how many games I've called, but that's one of those where I came away like, 'Man, I've got to be a lot better," Payton told the media Wednesday.

Nix committed three of the team's four turnovers (two interceptions, lost fumble) in a 20-12 win over the Tennessee Titans. Per Stats Perform, Week 1 was the first time the QB has lost a fumble since his 2021 season at Auburn. 

However, Payton was more aggressive in Week 1 than he was last season. He had Nix attempt 40 passes, and he completed 25 of them. The 25-year-old QB attempted 40 or more passes just three times during his rookie season.

Against Tennessee, Payton didn't commit to the run game until the second half. Per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the Broncos' running backs had only seven carries for 24 yards in the first half. 

When the Broncos sprinkled in some runs, their offense looked more effective. Rookie RB RJ Harvey had a 50-yard run late in the fourth quarter, which helped seal the game. Denver finished with 151 yards on 30 carries.