Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos got the benefit of a first-round bye during the playoffs, resting during the Wild Card Round while waiting to learn who their opponent would be.
Now, it is time to get back to work.
The Broncos have a chance at redeeming their Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills last season. The latter is bringing its talents as the AFC’s No. 6 seed to Denver for a rematch. Nix knows the Broncos must be better, particularly coming off a week-long layoff.
Bo Nix Issues Notice Before Divisional Playoff Game vs Bills
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos waves to fans after defeating the Green Bay Packers.
Nix spoke about the Broncos taking advantage of their time off. That is both for rest and in getting back on the practice field and in the weight room. He also made the first mention of a message he clearly wanted to convey to his teammates for their hopeful “run.”
“I think we gotta start fast on Saturday,” Nix told reporters on January 13. “Hopefully, that rest will allow us to play full speed the whole, entire game.”
The Bills eliminated the Broncos from the 2024 postseason, but that was in Buffalo.
Nix noted how much “better” it is to be at home this time around, being able to use silent count and crowd noise to their benefit. He also noted that the Bills roster many of the same players from last season, and could get some key contributors back for game day.
The Broncos’ second-year QB also cited the Bills’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Round, saying he knows it will be a “tough, physical football game.”
Nix then doubled down on needing to start fast, which has been an issue for the Broncos.
“They know how to win. They’ve been in this situation before. They had a great win last week, coming off probably their best win of the season, and they have a good rhythm right now as a team, Nix said, adding that “it’s going to be a challenge” and “we gotta start fast.”
“We gotta make sure we match their tempo and not let them get out because they played last week, and we can’t let this bye-week kind of affect us with a slow start.”
Bo Nix Gets Honest About Josh Allen
GettyJosh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills looks on before a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Nix knows the Broncos cannot waste their opportunities against the Bills due to the presence of fellow QB and the reigning MVP, Josh Allen.
“He’s incredible. He’s a MVP of the league for a reason. He continues to make play after play when, sort of, the game’s not necessarily looking like he can make the play. He just goes out there and does superhero stuff.
And I think one of the things that separates him is just his toughness, his ability to go play after play and at his max velocity, his peak performance. And it’s been fun to watch him play over the course of uh his career. Feels like he just got in the league, but he’s been in there for a while at this point, and making play after play, and he’s just a kind of–a generational talent.”
Nix noted the 6-foot-5, 237-pound Allen’s ability, saying, “You don’t see that all the time.”
“Guy’s as big as the D-lineman, just being able to be as athletic as skilled players. It’s not normal. And he’s got great arm strength, too.”
Nix said Allen can “do it all” and that it has “always been fun to watch” him play. However, Nix certainly does not want to see a repeat of last season. Then, Allen completed 76.9% of his throws for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns. Conversely, Nix had a 144-1-0 line on 59% completion.
Bo Nix: Broncos ‘Don’t Really Care’ About Underdog Status
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nix and the Broncos are home dogs in this game. It is the first time since the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles. That team won the Super Bowl, of which Nix is well aware. H
He said “not really” when asked if he feels pressure to match Allen’s efforts on the day.
“Not really,” Nix said bluntly. “We don’t really care. We’ve been underdogs before, and probably will be again in the future. But I think good things happened to that last team that was an underdog.”
Nix and the Broncos have their track record to fall back on. The QB also got perspective from a close resource: his mother.
“Just stay healthy, go out there and have fun, and stay humble, and do the right things, and be a good leader to my teammates. And at the end of the day, everybody wants to win. And that’s what most of us would say is most important,” Nix said of his mom’s message.
“I think sometimes parents can put it in perspective for you and just, every once in a while, allow you to know that there’s a lot more out there than just football.”
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