The Broncos’ quarterback debate has moved from background noise to full-blown conversation, but the real question isn’t whether Bo Nix is struggling. It’s whether Denver has a better answer waiting behind him.
That’s the heart of the skepticism from Fox Sports NFL analyst Joel Klatt, who doesn’t see a simple fix in a benching. On a recent edition of “Stokley and Evans, with Mark Schlereth” on 104.3 The Fan, Klatt was asked how much longer he would stay with Nix if the skid continues.
“How much longer would you stick with Bo if this continues, before you make a change?” Mike Evans asked.
Klatt pointed straight to the bigger picture.
“Well the problem is that like, the team is still playing well. Like, do we really think that this is gonna get better with somebody else? I don’t know,” Klatt said.
That’s the tension in Denver right now. The Broncos are 4-2.
Their defense is doing its part, ranking 10th in the NFL in points allowed at 20.8 per game and third in sacks with 18. Special teams has come up with big moments, too.
The offense, though, remains the obvious issue, and Nix’s numbers have fallen to the worst level of his career. Mark Schlereth has even floated the idea of a short break to help him reset.
But with the rest of the roster keeping Denver afloat, a quarterback switch carries real risk. If the Broncos make a move and the offense still sputters, or worse, the whole thing unravels, they could end up hurting a season that is still very much alive.
Klatt drew a comparison to what he’s seeing in college football this week.
“I think about it from a college sense. Like for instance, I’m doing Michigan this week.
They’re gonna switch to Tommy Carr from Bryce Underwood, and I’ve largely said like, ‘Well, they have to do that ’cause you’ve gotta give yourself the best chance to win, based on this excellent defense that they have.’ They have the number one yards per play defense in college football.
And so I’m like, ‘Well, you gotta give those guys a chance. They’re gonna keep it in the game.
You know, you owe it to put the most productivity on the field,'” Klatt said.
That logic makes sense when a defense is carrying the team. In that kind of setup, the coach has to ask which quarterback gives the offense the best chance to stay out of the way and let the defense win the game. But Klatt’s point was simple: that only matters if the backup is actually an upgrade.
“And I would say the same with Denver. Although like, do we really think whatever’s behind Bo is gonna be better?” Klatt said.
That’s the sticking point. Jarrett Stidham is the backup, and his last meaningful start came in the AFC Championship loss after Nix broke his ankle.
Sam Ehlinger flashed in the preseason, but that’s a very different test than facing starting defenses in real games. Neither has made a case that he would clearly lift the Broncos above what they have now.
And there’s more at stake than just one game plan. Pulling Nix would mean turning away from the quarterback the franchise has been building around, and that kind of move can ripple through a locker room. It could rattle Nix’s confidence and create more instability for a team that has already won four of its first six.
For Klatt, the path still runs through Nix - just a cleaner, steadier version of him. He sees the quarterback who led Denver to back-to-back playoff trips and helped keep the team winning late as the best option available.
The fix, in his view, isn’t a new name under center. It’s Nix calming his feet, trusting his protection and taking the easy throws.
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