Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has been sacked seven times through his first five NFL games, but coach Sean Payton knows that total would be higher if not for the rookie’s ability to evade pass rushers.
Nix was sacked three times in the Broncos’ Week 5 win over Las Vegas, but that followed two games in which he wasn’t brought down once.
“My experience is — and it’s the hardest thing for us to evaluate with some of the college players — but getting through a progression quickly and a decision quickly is extremely helpful in avoiding taking unnecessary sacks,” Payton said on Wednesday. “If you’re processing slowly and you’re having to see it longer, then it’s just another ‘One Mississippi’ with the ball in your hands.
“His ability to process — aside from obviously he can move — but his ability to process helps that greatly.”
Nix’s escape skills could be put to their stiffest test yet against the Los Angeles Chargers. Right tackle Alex Palczewski and center Luke Wattenberg were held out of Wednesday’s practice with ankle injuries. And Palczewski is already filling in for regular starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee), who is eligible to return from injured reserve next week.
The Chargers enter with 11 sacks through four games, led by outside linebacker Khalil Mack’s 2.5. They’re also coming off their early-season bye week, although Los Angeles did list 17 players on Wednesday’s injury report.
“You can’t find explosive in the running game or the passing game,” Payton said of the Chargers’ pass rush. “They’re playing with real good technique. Then you have a real good scheme with talented players. After the touchdown reel, (I like to) look at the explosives and that reel ended quick. Quicker than I’m used to. Obviously with such a small sample size, we look at the preseason as well. They’ve done a good job.”
The Broncos made several roster moves on Wednesday, including adding veteran offensive tackle Cam Fleming to the practice squad while placing guard Will Sherman on injured reserve. They also elevated inside linebacker Levelle Baily to the active roster and added wide receivers A.T. Perry and Kaden Davis to the practice squad.
The Chargers did hold pass rusher Joey Bosa out of practice with a hip injury and his status for Sunday’s game remains uncertain. However, eight different Chargers have registered at least a half-sack this season.
While he has thrown four interceptions this season, Nix has yet to lose a fumble despite logging 31 carries. The Chargers are allowing an average of only 12.5 points per game and enter Week 6 with a plus-5 turnover margin.
“I think it’s just understanding timing, protections, getting the ball out and being on time,” Nix said of limiting sacks and turnovers. “Just not sitting back there and holding the ball. I took three (sacks) on Sunday, and I wish I could have a few of them back because sacks kill drives. It’s hard to overcome a sack, so I just try to avoid them.
“Obviously, you can’t not take sacks without having great protection from the (offensive) line. they’re doing a great job.”