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Bo Nix’s comebacks lift Broncos despite troubling slow starts
The Denver Broncos have been very good at coming back late in games.
Their quarterback, Bo Nix, has helped lead 10 fourth-quarter comebacks in his career.
Last week, the Broncos won after falling behind the Los Angeles Rams 16-0 at halftime.
However, the team has struggled to move the ball in the first half of games.
The Broncos have scored only 10 first-half points while allowing 40.
Coach Sean Payton and the players want to start games faster.
They think better execution and a stronger running game could help.
Injuries have made the running game more difficult.
The Broncos will try to improve against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Bo Nix has led the NFL in fourth-quarter comebacks with the Denver Broncos since entering the league in 2024.
Denver overcame a 16-0 halftime deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-26 last weekend.
The Broncos have been outscored 40-10 in first halves this season and failed to record a first down on seven of 15 first-half drives.
Denver has 243 rushing yards, second fewest in the NFL, while injuries have affected its backfield.
The 2-1 Broncos visit the undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, seeking a faster start.
- Who
- Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos, coach Sean Payton, and the Broncos’ offensive players.
- What
- The Broncos are trying to fix slow starts despite repeatedly mounting fourth-quarter comebacks.
- Where
- The Broncos play their next game in San Francisco against the San Francisco 49ers.
- When
- This season, with Denver’s next game scheduled for Sunday.
- Why
- Denver wants to sustain drives, improve early-down execution, and strengthen its running game rather than depend on late rallies.
Slow Starts Are a Problem
Late-Game Resilience Is a Strength
How sustainable is the approach?
Slow Starts Are a Problem
Repeatedly falling behind is unreliable, and Denver’s first-half scoring and first-down numbers show a need for immediate improvement.
Late-Game Resilience Is a Strength
The Broncos have repeatedly demonstrated that they can remain composed, motivate one another, and produce game-winning drives late.
What needs to change?
Slow Starts Are a Problem
The team needs better early-down execution, sustained drives, and a more effective rushing attack.
Late-Game Resilience Is a Strength
The team’s strong second-half performances show that its existing offensive approach can work when players execute with greater intensity.
Challenge against San Francisco
Slow Starts Are a Problem
The 49ers have not allowed a first-quarter point, making another slow start especially dangerous for Denver.
Late-Game Resilience Is a Strength
San Francisco has allowed 24 fourth-quarter points, potentially giving the Broncos an opening if they remain within reach.
Key facts
- Broncos record
- 2-1
- First-half scoring
- Denver has been outscored 40-10 this season.
- Fourth-quarter comebacks
- Nix has 10 career final-quarter rallies, including one against the Los Angeles Rams last weekend.
- Recent comeback
- Denver overcame a 16-0 halftime deficit to win 30-26 over Los Angeles.
- Rushing production
- The Broncos have 243 rushing yards, second fewest in the NFL.
- Next opponent
- The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0 and have not allowed a first-quarter point this season.
- October record
- Denver is 10-3 in October under Sean Payton, including 4-0 last season.
Quotes
Courtland Sutton
Denver Broncos wide receiver
“We've got to come out the gate obviously a lot faster. But man, you can’t argue the resiliency and what’s been basically the tradition here, in regards to coming out of halftime like their hair is on fire. So hopefully we wake up with that intensity in San Francisco.”
livemint.com
“I think it's just all about execution right now. We have to sustain drives. We have to get the first first down. Typically, once we do that, we have good success. I think we just have to stay on the field longer. It’s just early-down success right now, execution.”
livemint.com
Sources
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