Jessie Bates shared some lighthearted jokes about Bo Nix’s extensive college years as a quarterback before facing off against him in their upcoming game. Nix, who played for Auburn and Oregon over five years, holds the record for the most starts by a quarterback in NCAA history. Despite being a 24-year-old rookie, Bates pointed out that there is plenty of tape on Nix from his college career for teams like the Atlanta Falcons to study. Bates mentioned that having limited NFL tape on Nix might actually work in their favor, as they are not overthinking what to expect from him.
In addition to his college experience, Nix has shown impressive productivity in his first season with the Denver Broncos. Under the guidance of coach Sean Payton, Nix has helped the team achieve a 5-5 record while maintaining a 63.6% completion rate, an 82.9 passer rating, and throwing more touchdowns than interceptions. The Broncos are currently in contention for a playoff spot, holding the No. 7 seed in the AFC. A victory against the Falcons, where they are slight favorites, could significantly boost their playoff chances.
Despite Nix’s success in college and the NFL so far, facing a seasoned safety like Bates and the Falcons defense will be a new challenge for him. Bates acknowledged Nix’s maturity and ability to run the Broncos’ offense efficiently, likening him to a graduate student rather than a rookie quarterback. Bates emphasized the importance of studying Nix’s tendencies and strengths, even with his limited NFL tape, to prepare for their upcoming matchup on Sunday.
As the Broncos prepare to host the Falcons in Week 11, the game will serve as a crucial test for Nix and his team as they strive to secure a playoff berth. Bates and the Falcons defense will undoubtedly look to exploit any weaknesses they can find in Nix’s game, despite his impressive track record from his college years. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they push towards the postseason.
