As Caleb Williams finds himself as the Chicago Bears’ first choice for the starting QB job almost immediately, things are playing out differently for Bo Nix. The competition for the starting quarterback job for the Denver Broncos is still ongoing under Sean Payton who wants to take the wait and watch approach.
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Unlike the Bears, Payton is making it clear that Bo Nix must prove himself worthy of the starting role.
Payton’s philosophy is relying on competition and merit, and he wants to see Nix battle it out with seasoned quarterbacks in the Broncos’ room, including Zach Wilson.
In a recent chat with Kay Adams on the Up and Adams Show, he explained,
“When we saw the Bears named Caleb their starter in the spring and no veteran, they didn’t bring anybody in. And I understand that, but philosophically we were going to be different.”
The Broncos have been exploring their quarterback options since last year when they sidelined veteran Russell Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham. Now, with Wilson out and Bo Nix and Zach Wilson vying for the top spot, the decision is still up in the air. And now it’s clear why.
Wilson has experience under his belt, and he had a good few games before being sidelined for a generational talent. With Nix slowly coming into his own, Wilson could be rested with the responsibility of holding the fort.
At the same time, Payton has been known for his mind games in the past, so this could all be a ruse to put teams off Nix so they don’t plan for him. Not getting a top QB from the draft also gives the team the leeway to start a veteran and slowly bring Nix in.
The Bears, however, do not have that luxury. They have a different season ahead of them. For Payton, it is about proving he can build around Nix and get the Broncos back to greatness, in the future.
And for Williams and the Bears, the time is now, the roster is complete. Williams is the last piece.
Williams Went Unopposed Compared to Nix Under Payton
Caleb Williams has been the Chicago Bears’ golden boy ever since they snagged him with the first overall pick in April. Despite some contract delays and a few underwhelming moments in camp, the Bears have never flinched in their decision to make Williams their starting quarterback.
His path to the top has been relatively smooth, with no real competition standing in his way. But Bo Nix, the journey is proving to be a bit more challenging. Despite coming to the NFL with four years of college football experience, Nix was drafted at the 12th place. His age was said to be a major issue for his slide in the draft.
But Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton had taken notice of this seasoned presence that Nix brings with him. During the conversation with Kay Adams, Payton pointed out that Nix doesn’t feel like a true rookie, thanks to his maturity.
“With Bo, you do feel more experienced player—you don’t feel a true rookie,” Payton said, dismissing concerns about Nix being a 24-year-old rookie. “Some of the best quarterbacks ever have had their best years into their 30s, so it was more about getting it right.”
Well, Payton does have a point. Rodgers, Brady and Matthew Stafford have all lived their best years at a later stage in their career. As the Broncos move closer to naming their starting quarterback, Payton is making sure to take a measured approach.
