RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post
Bo Nix had an explanation for his animated sideline conversation with head coach Sean Payton.
The rookie quarterback was seen speaking with Payton after the Broncos sent out the punt team and appeared to be agitated.
Despite how the moment looked, Nix said that the interaction was simply the coach and quarterback expressing their appreciation for each other.
Whatever was said, the Broncos had a strong day. Denver claimed a 34-18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and improved to 3-2 on the season. The team now sits in a tie for second place in the AFC West and looks like a team that could be in the mix for a postseason spot.
Nix had his best performance of the season, going 19-of-27 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. It was the third consecutive game in which he didn’t throw an interception and he appears to be taking positive steps towards being a franchise quarterback for Denver.
The team hopes he can be that as it has cycled through quarterbacks at an alarming rate since Peyton Manning retired after the 2015 season. Denver utilized the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Nix, but his first few performances cast worry about his potential at the NFL level.
If he can perform like he did on Sunday, he will be fine and Payton appears ready to help guide the young single-caller as he continues his career.