Bo Nix Benching Addressed by Payton Ahead of Broncos vs. Cardinals Amid Ryan Fitzpatrick's Criticism

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton was unequivocal when discussing the possible demotion of starting quarterback Bo Nix.

Payton ruled out a QB change ahead of a Week 7 meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.

"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," the coach said of Nix. "We talked about 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."

Nix has received steady criticism throughout the 2026 NFL season. Nobody has come down harder on him than retired quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who laid into him after the 17-14 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks on the Prime Video broadcast.

Payton sidestepped a question about Fitzpatrick's viral criticism.

"I try to focus on the next day here," he said . "We're trying to focus on getting ready for Arizona."

Nix went 17-of-27 for 107 yards against the Seahawks. He's averaging 174.8 yards per game and has six touchdown passes in as many starts. In general, the third-year signal-caller isn't testing defenses down the field or posing a threat as a runner.

Denver's 14-3 finish and trip to the AFC title game in 2025 raised the expectations for everybody in the building. Especially as he inches toward the end of his rookie contract, Nix needs to take his game to another level, and that isn't happening right now.

The passion behind Fitzpatrick's assessment was striking and the reason it garnered more attention than the usual analysis after a game. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio floated the idea that Fitzpatrick was effectively speaking for somebody within the Broncos organization:

A lot of the team's fans may felt the same way Fitzpatrick did after watching the Seattle game.

Still, as frustrating as Nix might be, the alternative for Denver isn't any better. Jarrett Stidham is the backup, with Sam Ehlinger third on the depth chart.

Payton is well aware of that along with the kind of optics he'd create by benching the 2024 first-round pick.