Bo Nix’s rookie season ended with a disappointing 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
He wasn’t the first Denver Broncos quarterback to begin his career like that.
As KDVR’s Dave Althouse pointed out on Twitter/X last week, John Elway’s rookie season ended with a 31-7 loss in the Wild Card round.
The Broncos went 9-7 in 1983 before facing the Seattle Seahawks (9-7), who played in the AFC West at the time, in the first round of the NFL playoffs.
Elway got mop-up duties and went 10-of-15 passing for 123 yards with one interception after Steve DeBerg started the game for Denver. DeBerg went 14-of-19 for 131 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Unlike Elway’s rookie season, Nix did not have to deal with a back-and-forth situation with a veteran in 2024. Nix started all 18 games this year and he went 13-of-22 for 144 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions against the Bills.
If you are curious #BroncosCountry –
John Elway’s rookie season: lost Wild Card game in Seattle 31-7
Bo Nix’s rookie season: lost Wild Card game in Buffalo 31-7
— Dave Althouse (@davealthouse) January 13, 2025
The coincidence of Elway and Nix having the same final score to end their rookie seasons obviously does not imply Nix will become “the next Elway.” But it’s a good reminder that young QBs can overcome their rookie season ending with a dud.
The playoff loss was disappointing, but Nix still has a bright future.
