Sean Payton didn’t just take his foot off the gas. He yanked the emergency brake, got out of the car, handed the keys to Josh Allen, and crawled home on all fours.

After the Broncos' season came to an end after a blowout loss to the Bills in the Wild Card round, Sean Payton say Bo Nix is the real deal.

He battled,” Sean Payton said of Broncos QB Bo Nix. “There are some third downs I’m sure he’ll want back. Some plays that he’ll want back.”

The Denver Broncos' first postseason trip since the 2015 campaign was short-lived. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills defeated Denver 31-7 in Sunday's AFC

After wandering the quarterback desert for nearly a decade, the Denver Broncos have finally found their guy in Bo Nix.

Your (column) about Bo Nix turning the Broncos into Super Bowl contenders next year was premature. The Broncos have eight games next year against playoff teams. You’ve obviously drank the Kool-Aid. A bit of pragmatism would be refreshing when writing about the Broncos’ future.

Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner, general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton all spoke glowingly of QB Bo Nix, who they believe is the future of the franchise under center.

Payton also said the gap to elite is closing with the Broncos feeling good about what would have been a second-round game at Kansas City if they got by the Bills.

The Denver Broncos surprised many in the NFL this year by nabbing the seventh seed in the AFC playoffs. Bo Nix steadily improved throughout the year and led the team to a 10-7 record.

Champ Bailey reflects on the Broncos' 2024-2025 season, including the impressive play from rookie QB Bo Nix.

The Broncos must get Nix more help after his sterling rookie season, but the QB's own development will also be critical for Denver.