Despite the Denver Broncos' getting out to a 4-2 record to start the season, the poor play of quarterback Bo Nix is the major topic of discussion around the team.
Broncos fans can continue to make excuses for how poorly he's playing, but that's all it is... excuses. The Broncos are winning games in spite of their quarterback. After suffering a broken ankle in the divisional round of the playoffs last season, it was clear that he would have some hurdles to overcome this season, but nobody expected things to get this bad.
The fact that there is an active discussion over whether or not the team should bench Nix is shocking, but it's happening.
Could the Broncos bench Bo Nix in 2026?
Former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth has already suggested that the Broncos do the same thing with Nix that the Carolina Panthers did with Bryce Young a couple of years ago, hoping that will end up being the jolt he needs.
However, head coach Sean Payton has stated that benching Nix is not in the cards (at least right now).
"He's going to become the byproduct of all the finer things that get improved: the improved play from our offensive line, the more efficient we are relative to balance, running the football, and that's our job as coaches here," Payton said on Tuesday. "We talked after the game about how we're excited to get that win but at the same time find all the improvement we need in all areas. So, it starts with all of us."
It seems unlikely that Nix would be benched, particularly if the Broncos are winning games. The team had to turn to Jarrett Stidham for last year's AFC Championship Game with Nix injured and that was a forgettable performance. The Broncos do have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, so if they did make this move, Payton could even give Sam Ehlinger a chance to make a start.
If Nix continues to play this way and the offense continues to bumble around the field, it could be a card for Payton to play. But unless that level of play comes with a multi-game losing streak, it would be shocking to see the Broncos make this move.
Now, whether it's warranted or not is a separate discussion.
Nix is holding his team back right now. There could be several reasons for that, but this was supposed to be a year in which the Broncos were one of the top challengers to win it all. That's not to say that they're in a bad spot right now, but it's impossible to say that the team we saw face the Seahawks last Thursday night is capable of winning the Super Bowl with that kind of offensive performance.
Payton has to recognize that, and he needs to be willing to make a tough decision if it comes to that.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: At what point should the Broncos consider benching QB Bo Nix?