First off - Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at The QB Summit Team!

All eyes are on Bo Nix this week as the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversations heat up, and for good reason.

While other rookies like Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers are making waves, Nix is building a case for the most impressive offensive rookie season we’ve seen this year.

What’s remarkable is the situation he’s doing it in. Denver isn’t supposed to be in playoff contention.

They’re dealing with what’s often referred to as “cap hell,” with $40+ million still tied up in Russell Wilson.

Despite that, under a second-year head coach, Nix has this team competing.

So, what’s driving this success? Let’s dive in.

#1: Elite Ball Security as a Rookie

Rookies turning the ball over isn’t just common—it’s expected.

The NFL is a completely different animal from college.

Defenders are faster, coverages are more complex, and the game is just plain harder.

Even some of the greatest quarterbacks ever struggled with turnovers early on.

Just ask Peyton Manning, who threw 28 interceptions as a rookie.

Re-Writing The Script

Over the last 10 games, he’s thrown 20 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions.

That’s a jaw-dropping 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

For any quarterback, that’s impressive.

For a rookie? It’s unheard of.

Here’s the thing: Not every touchdown Nix has thrown has been a highlight-reel moment, and not every interception has been a disaster.

But his ability to limit turnovers comes down to a few key factors:

• Decision-Making: Nix isn’t forcing throws. He’s reading defenses, knowing when to take a shot and when to check it down.

• Pocket Awareness: He’s navigating pressure like a veteran, keeping his eyes downfield while avoiding unnecessary risks.

• Trusting His Process: He’s showing the discipline to stick to the game plan, which is rare for a rookie trying to prove himself.

Protecting the football doesn’t just help your stat line; it inspires confidence in the locker room.

When teammates know their quarterback isn’t going to put them in bad situations, it changes the dynamic of a team.

Denver’s defense is playing with energy, the running game is opening up, and the coaching staff can afford to be more aggressive with play-calling because they trust their quarterback.

JOIN THE HUDDLE FREE FOR 7 DAYS

JOIN THE HUDDLE →

Join a community of top quarterbacks and coaches around the country learning what it takes to perform at the highest level. 

• Access hours or private training videos updated monthly

• Join the chat conversations on drills, recruiting, NIL, & more

• Learn what it takes to reach your potential

Click here to get started free →

 #2: Playing Winning Football

Bo Nix isn’t just putting up stats in his rookie campaign—he’s playing football that leads to wins.

That might sound like a simple concept, but for a rookie quarterback, it’s anything but.

Winning football isn’t about flashy plays every drive or padding your stats.

It’s about being efficient, taking what the defense gives you, and knowing when to strike.

And Bo Nix is doing exactly that.

When I say "winning football," I’m talking about a quarterback who understands how to keep his team in the best position to win games.

Bo Nix isn’t out there just taking checkdowns and avoiding mistakes, but he’s also not forcing the ball into bad spots trying to play hero ball.

He’s found the balance between being aggressive and being smart.

What Caught My Eye

Nix is tied with Lamar Jackson—last year’s MVP and a frontrunner again this year—for the most games with at least 200 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes.

Both quarterbacks have done it five times this season.

Why is that significant?

Because it’s the perfect indicator of a quarterback who’s not only moving the ball but finishing drives.

It’s not about throwing for 400 yards every week.

It’s about making the right plays at the right time.

A Real Winning Mindset

Playing winning football isn’t just about stats—it’s about mindset too.

It’s about understanding the flow of a game, knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe.

And most importantly, it’s about putting your team in a position to win every time you step on the field.

Bo Nix is doing all of that and more.

As his rookie season unfolds, he’s proving that he’s not just a talented quarterback—he’s a leader.

And for a team like Denver, that leadership could be the difference between a rebuild and a playoff run.

INTRODUCING THREAD PERFORMANCE

SUPPLEMENTS FOR DEVELOPING ATHLETES

3 daily premium supplements, formulated for the developing youth athlete:

• Designed for the all-in athlete

• Expect to feel a difference within 14 days

• Access up to 60+ superfoods in a single serving

• Recieve up to a 20% discount on recurring orders

Click here to get started free →

#3: Making Big Plays When It Counts

We’ve talked about how Bo Nix is protecting the football and playing winning football, two pillars of his incredible rookie season.

But the third key to what makes this year so special?

He’s making big plays when the opportunities present themselves.

That’s the hallmark of great quarterbacks—not just rookies but veterans and MVPs alike.

And Nix is showing that when the moment arises, he’s ready to capitalize.

Not The Expectation

Rookies aren’t expected to be this good in high-pressure moments, but Bo Nix is proving that he’s not your typical rookie.

His performance on throws over 10 yards has been nothing short of elite.

Let’s break it down:

• Completion Percentage: 61.3%—fourth in the league.

• Passing Yards: 398—fourth in the league.

• Touchdowns: 3—tied for third.

• Passer Rating: 137.5—first in the league.

• EPA per Dropback: 0.95—second in the league.

These aren’t just good numbers for a rookie - these are elite numbers across the board.

He’s outpacing many seasoned veterans in these categories.

Why He Stands Out

What stands out to me is how Nix approaches these opportunities.

A lot of young quarterbacks get antsy when the chance for a big play arises.

They overthrow the deep ball, or they hesitate and take a sack instead of pulling the trigger.

Nix doesn’t seem to have those moments of hesitation. He’s decisive, confident, and accurate.

He understands when to take a shot and, more importantly, how to make it count.

This is a quarterback who started a record 61 games in college. That experience is evident in his poise.

He knows how to read a defense, anticipate a receiver breaking open, and deliver the ball where it needs to be.

He’s also reminding everyone that draft position isn’t everything.

Nix was the fifth quarterback taken in this year’s draft. A lot of teams passed on him.

But right now, he’s making every GM who overlooked him wish they had that pick back.

Here We Are

Ten weeks in, and Bo Nix is firmly in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He’s protecting the football, playing winning football, and making big plays when they matter most.

There’s still a lot of football left to be played, but Nix has put himself in a position to not only contend for the award but to change the trajectory of a Denver franchise that seemed stuck.

He’s proving that even in a less-than-ideal situation, the right quarterback can make all the difference.

Cap tip to Bo Nix.

Keep an eye on him because this rookie season is shaping up to be something special.

And if he keeps it up, there’s no telling how far this kid can go.

Work With Jordan Palmer And The QB Summit Team

Do you enjoy reading Cover 3 every Thursday?

If so…

Here are 3 ways you can work with Jordan Palmer and The QB Summit Team:

1. Check Out Thread Performance

2. Join The Huddle

3. Sponsor this newsletter

You’re receiving this Cover 3 article from Jordan Palmer and the QB Summit Team because you’ve joined our email list in the past. Cover 3 is a part of QB Summit. Health