If Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos are going pull off a big upset of the Buffalo Bills on the road, they are going to need to create some explosive plays in the passing game.
Given that, their first possession in Sunday’s Wild Card game was exactly what the doctor ordered.
With the Broncos facing 2nd and 4 just inside Buffalo territory, Sean Payton dialed up a vertical concept for his rookie quarterback. In the face of an unblocked defender in the pocket, Nix looked for Troy Franklin, his former teammate at Oregon:
As you can see from this replay angle, pass rusher Dawuane Smoot had a free run at the rookie quarterback, thanks to a twist up front along the Buffalo defensive line. But in the face of a free runner, Nix stepped up into the pocket, delivering a strike to Franklin deep downfield:
That angle also highlights just how tough it can be to play quarterback in the NFL. Are you willing to stand in the pocket while Smoot — listed at 6’3 and 264 pounds — has a free run at you?
You can also see how safety Taylor Rapp gets caught with his eyes in the backfield, allowing Franklin to get behind Buffalo’s two-deep coverage.
Nix is the first rookie quarterback in Denver franchise history to start a playoff game.
Not a bad way to finish your first drive for the first-year passer.
