Football

“Bo Nix Sees The Field Just Like Sean Payton”: Ed McCaffrey Applauds Broncos QB’s Historic Rookie Season

Published: May 2, 2025, 11:00 AM
1 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2025, 10:55 AM
Fact checked by:
Sergey Demidov
Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos

Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos great Ed McCaffrey is a big fan of Bo Nix.

The 25-year-old quarterback surprised everyone by posting one of the best rookie seasons ever for a quarterback. The 2024 first-round draft pick posted 29 touchdown passes, 3,775 passing yards, and 430 rushing yards. Most importantly, he led the Broncos to a playoff appearance and their first 10-win season since 2015, when they won the Super Bowl.

By every metric, the Broncos made the right decision in selecting Nix, with McCaffrey saying the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton “hit it out of the park” with their selection of the Oregon Ducks alum.

“I see a strong arm,” says McCaffrey in a one-on-one interview with RG. “I see incredible accuracy, really good footwork. He doesn’t take a lot of sacks, one of the least sacked quarterbacks in the league. That was something that Sean Payton emphasized before last season. I think they accomplished that.”

McCaffrey isn’t exaggerating. Nix was the sixth-least sacked quarterback in the league, which demonstrates that he knows how to get the ball out in a timely manner and doesn’t make many negative plays.

Those are key traits for any quarterback, but especially for a young one. There’s a reason why rookie quarterbacks often take a lot of sacks due to the learning curve of adjusting to the NFL. For example, Caleb Williams was the most-sacked quarterback in the league (68 sacks), and Jayden Daniels was the fourth-most sacked QB (48 sacks) in the NFL last season.

“Sean Payton knows where he wants his quarterback to go with the football,” says McCaffrey.

“When he calls the play, he wants the quarterback to see the field the way he sees it. Bo Nix does that this way, that’s why Payton likes him so much, so they’ll continue to work with him and the rest of the team. I’d like to see him have a really solid, quick passing game, but then be able to stretch it, get the protection he needs and take some shots down the field. That’s where having a lot of speed guys on the outside and guys running deep, crossing routes across the middle of the field, I think if he gets the time he needs, will help stretch things.”

The Broncos added a few playmakers in the offseason, including two-time Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram and rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant. Bryant averaged 18.2 yards per reception during his senior season at Illinois, ranking second in the Big Ten in yards per catch.

While the Broncos ranked a respectable 10th in points per game, they were far from being an elite offense. They ranked 20th in yards per play (5.2), 20th in passing yards, and 16th in rushing yards. The hope is that the Broncos can become a more “explosive” offense as they look to take the next step from being a playoff team into an elite one.

“They’ll have some more explosive plays hopefully next year than what they had last year,” says McCaffrey of the Broncos. “But he’s the guy Sean Payton wants taking snaps. He sees the field the way Coach Payton sees it.”

Evan Engram: A Game-Changing Addition

McCaffrey—who was a big receiver himself at 6-foot-5—believes the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Engram will make a tremendous impact in his first year with the Broncos. Engram went through an injury-plagued campaign in 2024 but posted 114 receptions for 963 receiving yards during the 2023 season, becoming the eighth tight end in NFL history to record at least 100 receptions in a season.

“They’re going to use him as a big receiver in the passing game, and he can sometimes be a quarterback’s best friend,” says McCaffrey of Engram. “Usually the tight ends run routes that are a little closer to the quarterback over the middle of the field, easy targets for the QB. If he gets pressure, they need a guy that can win in one-on-one situations at that tight end position. So that was a big pickup.”

The three-time Super Bowl champion won two Super Bowls as a key member of the Broncos in the late ’90s, teaming up with Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe to form a three-headed nightmare for opposing defenses. McCaffrey was surprised that Denver didn’t target an offensive playmaker such as a wide receiver or running back with their first-round draft pick. Instead, they went with cornerback Jahdae Barron with the No. 20 overall pick.

“They have some talented young receivers that they used last year that will contribute and continue to contribute,” says McCaffrey. “I did think they were going to go first round with either a highly regarded running back, perhaps a wide receiver to add to the outside, maybe another tight end. You can’t have too many of those guys.”

While it would have been nice to have two threats at wide receiver on the outside—Courtland Sutton is the only proven option—McCaffrey says the 30-year-old Engram will help fill that void.

“Having two elite wide receivers on either side of the quarterback really helps open things up,” says McCaffrey. “But Evan Engram will help do the same thing.”

McCaffrey’s Next Big Move: Protein Bites

While McCaffrey is obviously known for his 13-year NFL playing career and the fact that he’s the father of two NFL players—Christian and Luke—he’s keeping busy in his post-playing career. The former Pro Bowl wide receiver owns McCaffrey Brands, which specializes in nutritious and healthy food products.

Although McCaffrey has been in the business in some shape or form since 1998 (during his playing career) with the release of his spicy brown mustard line in Colorado, the McCaffrey Brands business is now expanding into more of a national profile. McCaffrey Brands is releasing a new product, their new protein bites, which will be available at 176 Dick’s Sporting Goods nationwide and online on their official website.

“We have just launched nationally, our McCaffrey Brands Protein Bites,” says McCaffrey. “They’ve only been around for a couple of months. We launched right before the Super Bowl, and I had a bunch of bags of them to show you, but I’m on vacation with my friends, and they ate them all. They took them and ate them this morning before I could use them for the show.”

McCaffrey explains they’re non-GMO, plant-based protein snacks that are the “greatest tasting healthy” snacks you’ll ever try.

“They’re gluten-free, non-GMO, plant-based protein snacks, which might have made you already stop listening,” says McCaffrey while smiling. “But if I told you you could be healthy eating birthday cake, fudge brownie, and chocolate chip cookie dough, you’d think I was crazy. But these are, I promise you, the greatest tasting healthy snacks you will find anywhere on the planet.”

Sports Reporter
DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter focusing on football, basketball, hockey, baseball and pro wrestling. He has covered major events, including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, CFP National Championship and WrestleMania, interviewing stars such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Previously, Siddiqi was lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports, and an NFL beat reporter covering the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report.
Interests:
NFL
NBA
NCAAF
NCAAB
NHL
Travel
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Football
News Report
Manhattan Shooter Who Killed Four Was Targeting NFL Headquarters

The Manhattan shooter who killed four people on Monday evening was targeting the NFL headquarters but took the wrong elevator bank.

5
07/29/2025
Quinn Allen
Quinn Allen
Manhattan Shooter Who Killed Four Was Targeting NFL Headquarters
Football
Interview
Jamaal Charles Backs Arch Manning to Lead Texas Title Charge

Jamaal Charles believes Arch Manning is ready to lead Texas to a national title, praising his poise, humility, and special talent.

6
07/24/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
 Jamaal Charles Backs Arch Manning to Lead Texas Title Charge
Football
Gabe Jacas Leads Illinois Playoff Push With NFL Buzz Building

Illinois star Gabe Jacas is rising on NFL Draft boards as the Illini return 18 starters and push for a College Football Playoff spot in 2025.

9
07/23/2025
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks
Gabe Jacas Leads Illinois Playoff Push With NFL Buzz Building
Football
Interview
Josh Allen Eyes Super Bowl After MVP Season, Record Deal

MVP quarterback Josh Allen gears up for 2025 with a record contract, big goals, and a revamped Bills roster aiming to go all the way to the Super Bowl.

6
07/22/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Josh Allen Eyes Super Bowl After MVP Season, Record Deal
Football
Opinion
Chargers Must Reunite With Keenan Allen After Mike Williams Retirement

With Mike Williams retiring, it's time for the Los Angeles Chargers to reunite with franchise legend Keenan Allen, who remains a free agent.

5
07/18/2025
Quinn Allen
Quinn Allen
Chargers Must Reunite With Keenan Allen After Mike Williams Retirement
Football
News Report
Micah Parsons Calls Out Cowboys’ Ownership Amid Stalled Contract Talks

Micah Parsons isn't pleased with the Dallas Cowboys' ownership group as he continues to be without a new contract extension.

6
07/17/2025
Quinn Allen
Quinn Allen
Micah Parsons Calls Out Cowboys’ Ownership Amid Stalled Contract Talks
Football
Interview
Russell Wilson Explains Why He’ll Reinvent Career With Giants

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson revealed why he believes the New York Giants are the perfect place for him to find his best once again.

6
07/16/2025
Quinn Allen
Quinn Allen
Russell Wilson Explains Why He’ll Reinvent Career With Giants
Football
Interview
Zach Ertz Talks Jayden Daniels’ Rise, Commanders’ Plan To Beat Eagles

Zach Ertz praises Jayden Daniels’ breakout season and shares what the Commanders must do to finally overcome the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

7
07/15/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Zach Ertz Talks Jayden Daniels’ Rise, Commanders’ Plan To Beat Eagles
Football
Interview
How Kelvin Banks Jr. Is Ready To Make Lasting Impact With The Saints

Kelvin Banks Jr. is primed to make an immediate impact with the New Orleans Saints, thanks to elite training and his NFL-ready skills. Find out how he’s prepared.

8
07/11/2025
Landon Buford
Landon Buford
How Kelvin Banks Jr. Is Ready To Make Lasting Impact With The Saints
Football
Interview
Caleb Downs Reveals Key Differences Between Alabama And Ohio State

Caleb Downs opens up about the culture shift and coaching styles between Alabama and Ohio State after winning a title with the Buckeyes last season.

6
07/10/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Caleb Downs Reveals Key Differences Between Alabama And Ohio State

NFL Writers

Aaron WIlson
Aaron WIlson
NFL Reporter

Aaron Wilson is an award-winning sports journalist specializing in the NFL, with a career spanning over two decades since 1997. He has served as a beat reporter for multiple teams, including the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

A former linebacker at East Carolina University, Aaron brings a player’s perspective to his reporting. Over the years, he has conducted in-depth interviews with NFL legends such as Ray Lewis, J.J. Watt, and Tom Brady, as well as rising stars like C.J. Stroud. His coverage goes beyond the game, including critical off-the-field stories such as the Ray Rice domestic violence case during Rice’s time with the Ravens.

Known for his commitment to breaking news and maintaining journalistic integrity, Aaron prioritizes building strong sources and trusted relationships within the NFL community. His editorial work combines timely reporting with thoughtful analysis. Before joining RG, he contributed to the Houston Chronicle and the Baltimore Sun, further cementing his reputation as a respected voice in football journalism.

Aaron is based in Houston, Texas, where he continues to provide insightful coverage of the NFL and its players.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.