The 2024 NFL playoffs are still some weeks away, but Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos may have already tasted postseason victory after defeating the Cleveland Browns at home on Monday night in Week 13.
The rookie quarterback, however, understands that the job is far from over for Denver, which enters Week 14 with an 8-5 record and a hold on the No. 7 slot in the AFC rankings after a dramatic 41-32 victory over Jameis Winston and company at Empower Field at Mile High.
“Finish strong,” Nix stated as Denver takes a well-deserved break (h/t Zac Stevens of DNVR Broncos).
“We’re going for a playoff spot,” the 24-year-old Nix continued, with the Broncos in prime position to break their long drought.
Bo Nix and the Broncos are close to ending their playoff skid.
Since winning the Super Bowl in 2015, Denver has not participated beyond the regular season. Since then, the Broncos have never won more than nine games in a season, but they are presently on the cusp of tying or exceeding that total with four games remaining on the team’s 2024 schedule.
The Broncos’ first-year quarterback’s composure was tested in the Browns game, as Cleveland matched Denver’s energy, particularly on offence. It was an intriguing battle, with Cleveland totaling 552 yards from scrimmage to the Broncos’ 400. Nix completed 18 of 32 passes for 294 yards and one touchdown.
Despite throwing two interceptions, the former Oregon Ducks quarterback led Denver to a successful 11-play touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, regaining the lead for good.
“Really it’s just going on to that next drive, not worrying about the score, not worrying about what happened before,” Nix said of a critical drive in the Browns game, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.
“We just needed to put everything together as best as possible and find a way to win a game…” A game in which you literally have to score more points, no matter what happens.”
Nix and the Broncos will return from their bye in Week 15 when they visit the Indianapolis Colts, followed by back-to-back road games in Weeks 16 and 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals. Denver concludes its regular-season schedule with a potentially pivotal game against the defending two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High City.
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