Denver Broncos: One throw by Bo Nix may have been the difference between a win and a loss in Week 4

Looking over the aftermath of the Denver Broncos’ Week 4 win over the New York Jets, there is plenty to takeaway. All of the following is true:

– Rain dominated the game and the results could have easily been different without it
– Both teams missed field goals late which could have changed the results
– Both teams are now 2-2 in a wide-open AFC race

But looking back at each play in the game, there is one play that may be overlooked but could have been the difference between the Broncos winning and losing this game. Here it is:

Easily Bo Nix’s best throw of the day yesterday and it was a big one.

3rd and 11 down 6, Bo delivers what has become one of their go to concepts (dagger) when Bo is throwing the ball downfield.

This drive would go on to be the drive that ended in a Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton… pic.twitter.com/3yWJkHV3sP

— Carter Dillon (@CarterDillon14) September 30, 2024

That throw came on the team’s second drive of the third quarter. At the time, the Broncos had no points and a grand total of 84 yards of offense. They were facing a 3rd-and-11 from their own 24-yard line in a driving rainstorm. Unable to move the ball much all day, they probably had less than a 25 percent chance of picking up that first down.

But Nix stepped up and found Courtland Sutton crossing the field for a huge gain of 29 yards. It was easily Nix’s best throw of the day and it was the play that allowed the offense to open up, even if just a little bit, in order to have enough to get this victory.

The Broncos would score on that drive, the only touchdown by either team in the game, on this 8-yard toss from Nix to Sutton.

Bo Nix throws for only 60 yards, but one throw was golden

If you’re looking for a wild statistic, check this out…

Bo Nix’s 60 passing yards is the least in a QB win (minimum 20 pass attempts) since Eli Manning with 59 yards in a 2007 win, per @ESPNStatsInfo

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 29, 2024

but that throw changes everything, at least for this game. Think about it. Nix had trouble doing anything in this game. In fairness, so did Aaron Rodgers. The Broncos had to put a fanny pack on Nix in order for him to keep his hands semi-dry in order to even grip the ball. That makes this a tremendous throw.

Without this throw, the Broncos are punting on that drive. Without this throw, the offense stays stagnant and there is a decent chance the Broncos leave MetLife Stadium with a goose egg on the scoreboard and a 1-3 record.

It’s a game of inches in the NFL. This was one of those plays. Without this play, the Broncos don’t win this game.