Bo Nix Rookie Of The Year Case Getting Stronger
Recency bias is sports media's best friend. Whatever just happened, report about it like it's the only thing that happened. For that reason, it's no surprise that every pundit and writer was calling Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year after today's game.
The Broncos completely shredded the Atlanta Falcons today 38-6. Nix was the catalyst for the thumping, completing 28 of 33 passes, for 307 yards and four touchdowns. Because this happened today, and previously anointed OROY Jayden Daniels played on Thursday, the media are calling the race over with.
Daniels didn't play horribly for the Washington Commanders against the Eagles. The Commanders did lose the game 26-18, but Daniels finished 22 of 32 for 191 yards and a touchdown. Nix recent amazing performance may not have catapulted him into the lead for the award, but it has closed the gap.
Bo Nix Versus Jayden Daniels First Six Games
Daniels came out in 2024 slinging the ball all over the field. He was completing 75.3% of his passes for 1,404 yards. He had six passing touchdowns, and 4 rushing touchdowns. The Commanders were 4-2 over that stretch.
Bo Nix got off to a rocky start for the Broncos. The team went 3-2, but he was nowhere near as accurate as Daniels. Nix completed 61.1% of his passes for 1,082 yards. He had 5 passing touchdowns to 5 interceptions and ran the ball in three times. Daniels was allegedly having the best rookie season in history, and Nix was an afterthought.
Bo Nix Versus Jayden Daniels Last Five Games
Over the course of the next five games, the table has turned. Daniels was hurt for a game, and as defenses had more film on him, he wasn't able to destroy them in the air. He also wasn't able to dominate with his legs the same way that he started. His completion percentage over the last five games is 58.8%. He has 934 yards and 4 passing touchdowns but has not scored a rushing touchdown. Washington is 3-2 over that time frame.
Bo Nix is also 3-2 over the last five games, but his numbers are significantly better than Daniels. He is completing 71.1% of his passes for 1,193 yards and nine touchdowns, with just one interception. He also has a rushing touchdown.
Bo Nix Versus Jayden Daniels 2024
The season numbers are getting much tighter. Jayden Daniels is completing 68.7% of his passes for 2,338 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also has 4 rushing touchdowns., The Commanders are 7-4.
Bo Nix has the Broncos at 6-5. He is completing 65.5% of his passes for 2,275 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also has 4 rushing touchdowns.
What seemed like a runaway train early on, looks like it will come down to the wire. Drake Maye got a late start, and will not be considered in the running for rookie of the year. It's going to be Daniels or Nix, and if recency bias should be used as an indicator, Bo Nix is going to take home the hardware.