Sean Payton defends Bo Nix amid early offensive struggles

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Broncos HC Sean Payton defends QB Bo Nix amid early offensive struggles

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 12, 2026 1:38 PM ET

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix doesn't look like the guy who beat Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen in the playoffs last season, but he's not the only problem for a stagnant offense.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke with the media on Monday following a 23-17 Week 5 road win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Asked about Nix's confidence level, the coach quickly dismissed the question and defended his QB.

Sean Payton talks Bo Nix

"We are not giving level of confidence grades right now on a Monday morning before a Thursday game," Payton, who's preparing for a home clash against the Seattle Seahawks, said (h/t The Denver Post's Troy Renck). "You can go ahead and opinionate. I am watching and there are ton of things we are not doing well."

After the win over the Chargers, Payton said he told Nix to "let it rip." The coach clearly didn't want to repeat himself as he game plans for the pivotal matchup against Seattle. He's also right that the Broncos offense has problems beyond the QB, namely running the ball consistently.

#Broncos coach Sean Payton on conference call about where he believes Bo Nix's confidence is right now. "We are not giving levels of confidence grades right now on a Monday morning before a Thursday game. You can go ahead and opinionate. Confidence comes from.... I am watching…
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 12, 2026

The Broncos averaged an abysmal 3.6 yards per carry in their first four games under offensive coordinator Davis Webb. Payton resumed play-calling against the Chargers, but it didn't make much difference for Denver, which rushed for 106 yards on 29 carries (3.7 YPC).

Denver must reignite its run game to open up the play-action pass for Nix. As of Monday, he ranks 25th among 40 eligible QBs in play-action passing yards (216 on 45 dropbacks), per Pro Football Focus (min. five dropbacks).

A game-changing QB, however, overcomes these issues. Thus far, Nix has been far from that. He has often struggled to deliver average QB play for Denver.

Against L.A., he finished 16-of-27 passing for 123 yards and one TD. That's one of his better performances. Entering Monday, he ranked 24th in the league in QBR (43.1).

Nix may be adjusting to Payton as his play-caller. The coach expects to be in sync with the QB on "Thursday Night Football."

"We'll be on the same page," Payton said (h/t DNVR Sports' Zac Stevens).

Sean Payton was asked about Bo Nix taking more risks throwing the ball:

"He and I will be on the same page each week relative to the plays and the plan. Someone asked me that question yesterday and then two seconds later they were at his locker, 'Coach said this' and it was…
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) October 12, 2026

If Nix and Payton fail to find that synergy against Seattle (3-2), Denver will fall to 3-3, decreasing its early playoff chances. The QB would receive even more blame for that. The 2025 version of Nix, who went 14-3 in the regular season, must return soon, or else the coach won't be able to keep standing up for his QB.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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