ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The black-and-white of statistics, and maybe the subjective eye test, too, says Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix is off to slow start.
Nix is ranked No. 31 among the 32 ranked NFL quarterbacks through two weeks. The only quarterback behind him is Carolina’s Bryce Young, who has been benched prior to week 3.
To Nix’s credit he was self-deprecating when asked specifically about what he’s figured out about the keys to red-zone success.
“In the NFL I obviously haven’t figured out a whole lot, because we haven’t scored in the red zone, yet,’’ Nix said. “But I think like anything else that’s a work in progress. …
“Red zone is always hard no matter what level you’re on because the field shrinks, the defense doesn’t have as much ground to cover. We’ve just got to do a good job of being efficient in the red zone and continue to move forward.”
Where Nix has particularly fallen short in his numbers submitted to the passer rating formula is his four interceptions against zero touchdowns. He curtly dismissed the idea he has been trying to force the ball to No. 1 receiver Courtland Sutton, the intended target on at least three of his picks, and possibly four.
Maybe the Broncos’ unusual 10-day road trip to Tampa Bay for the game Sunday against the Buccaneers, Greenbriar Resort in West Virginia for practice during the middle of next week, and a game at the New York Jets the following Sunday will get him and the Broncos’ offense going.
“I think going on trips with your teammates and being able to spend a large amount of time that you’re normally not used to spending has always been a fun time,’’ Nix said. “I’ve never been on a team trip and been like, ‘Man, I didn’t have fun.’ Or, ‘Man, I wish we could go home early.’ Usually we have a great time and you’re able to get away and you change settings, go practice at a different place, be in a different place.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been to West Virginia in my life. But we’ve got an important week ahead of us and when we take care of Tampa Bay then we can move on to our road trip. But I do feel like road trips are good for a team.”
Injury update
If it’s Wednesday, the Broncos have several players resting up some bruised bodies.
Those who did not practice: Outside linebacker Baron Browning (foot), safeties Brandon Jones (foot) and JL Skinner (ankle) and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (concussion). Jones, Skinner and Franklin-Myers were working out on a side field, a good sign.
Also encouraging was rookie receiver Devaughn Vele, who had eight catches for 39 yards in his NFL debut against Seattle two weeks ago, returned to practice Wednesday. Vele sat out practices and the Steelers’ game last week with a ribs injury.
Now they go orange
The Broncos have worn their white jerseys for all five public-game appearances this season – their three preseason games, including the two at home, and two regular-season games including the home game Sunday against the Steelers. Wear white on hot days, is head coach Sean Payton’s logical reasoning.
Denver will wear its home orange jerseys for the first time this Sunday – at Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers are going with their white tops as a nod to the Florida heat in September. Remember that 70-20 debacle in a week 3, September game at Miami last season? Of course you do. What you may not recall is the Dolphins wore their road white jerseys that day instead of their aqua blue. The Broncos wore their home orange.
As for this season, the Broncos are 0-2 in the regular season, a reminder it’s more about the players wearing the uniforms than the game wear itself.
