One of the underlying storylines in the Denver Broncos’ opener was Bo Nix versus a Tennessee Titans defense led by lineman Jeffery Simmons. Despite Simmons doing the pre-game talking and winning some battles, Nix ultimately emerged the victor.
Simmons finished the contest with 4 total tackles, 1 stop for loss, 4 quarterback hits, and 1 strip sack on Nix.
Asked about that fumble, Nix spoke matter-of-factly while acknowledging Simmons’ talent.
Bo Nix Tips Cap to Titans’ Jonathan Simmons After Overcoming ‘Cardinal Sin’ in Broncos’ Win
GettyJeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans warms up before facing the Minnesota Vikings.
Days before the game, Simmons told Titans beat reporters that he believed Nix was a one-read QB who would run if that was not there, and the Broncos’ youngster obliged early on as he was visibly frustrated amid the team’s slow start.
The game was tied at 3-3 midway through the second quarter, and the Broncos had possession near midfield, so Simmons’ sack-forced fumble on Nix set the Titans up in plus-territory.
To avoid making the same mistake in the future, Nix said, “Just don’t do it.”
“Well, I took two hands off the ball,” Nix told reporters on September 7. “That’s the cardinal sin as a quarterback, when you take two hands off the ball in the pocket against a good player who’s going to be taught and going to have knowledge to just rip at the ball. Just happened quick, and I just should have had two hands on the ball in the pocket. But just can work on it, can get back to the technical basics, and just don’t do it in the future.”
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However, Simmons was also on the wrong side of his own aggressive playing style, picking up an unnecessary roughness penalty that extended a Broncos drive late in the fourth quarter. Nix and the Broncos ultimately turned the ball over on downs, but only after draining more clock.
Simmons came under fire on social media for his costly penalty, throwing the game for the Titans, while Nix and the Broncos got the “last laugh” on the three-time Pro Bowler.
Bo Nix Gets Candid About Turnover-Filled Day
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos speaks with Cam Ward #1 of the Tennessee Titans after a game.
The fumble was Nix’s third and final turnover of the day, with the Broncos’ QB completing 25 of 40 passes for 176 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions.
He was also sacked once during the contest.
“You don’t ever want to throw interceptions, but when you do, you just – as tough as it is – you just got to move on and respond with positive plays after that. And both times, I thought I had decent vision. Just was a 50/50 that didn’t go our way. Probably shouldn’t have thrown both of them,” Nix said. “You live and you learn.
“Sometimes you can be a little too aggressive, and I was too aggressive. But I just ultimately got to be smarter than that and take care of the football. Especially with our defense, as well as they’re going to play this year, I can’t put them in bad spots.”
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Nix wanted to review the game film, but both he and Broncos head coach Sean Payton pushed back on the idea that the offense was “out of sync,” citing their opening field goal.
Nix criticizes himself more this season because “I know better,” and he hopes to “limit” his INTs.
Sean Payton Shuts Down Bo Nix ‘Growth Meter’
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on during a game against the Tennessee Titans.
Payton emphasized the importance of the final result over how the Broncos got there and said he would not be providing weekly updates on Nix’s progress.
“We’re not going to have a ‘growth meter’ each week in Year 2, all right?” Payton told reporters postgame. “He’s in his second year. I love the player, all right? I get a chance to see him every day, all right? We can win. He can be a huge reason why we win games. And so, we’re not going to have that weekly meter. And so, that’s the first refused ‘growth meter’ in week one. That’s crazy.”
Payton defended Nix against Simmons’ pregame comments, too. However, the coach found himself under fire for his play calling just as much as the QB did for his missed opportunities, including one on fourth down in which his top wide receiver, Courtland Sutton, was wide open.
Nix, who was nearly pressured by Simmons on the snap, said the Broncos “had a good play” called. He said it causes difficulty against the type of coverage (Cover 0) that the Titans were in.
Nix said, “Next time, we’ll hit it” of the missed shot to the Broncos’ WR1, who caught a TD later.
Broncos QB Bo Nix Sends Strong Message After Getting ‘Last Laugh’