Fitzpatrick Calls Broncos QB Bo Nix's Play 'Almost Disrespectful'

Ryan Fitzpatrick, a veteran of 17 NFL seasons, did not hold back his criticism of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix following the team's 17-14 overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. Despite the victory, Fitzpatrick described Nix's play as "almost disrespectful to the quarterback position."

Nix struggled for the second consecutive game, completing 17 of 27 passes for just 107 yards. This performance followed a 123-yard outing against the Chargers the previous Sunday. His 107 passing yards marked the second-lowest total of his career, only surpassing a 60-yard game against the Jets in Week 4 of 2024, which was played in torrential rain. On Thursday, Nix averaged a mere 4 yards per attempt, his lowest mark of the season.

Fitzpatrick elaborated on his critique during the postgame show, pointing to Nix's perceived lack of assertiveness and offensive decision-making. "First of all, the guy doesn’t want to throw the ball, that’s fine. He’s throwing to the flats, he’s throwing behind," Fitzpatrick stated. "He has no trust from his coach [Sean Payton]; he calls a screen play on third-and-8. Just run up and let the clock keep going. What’s he do? He throws it away, Seattle gets the ball, they have a timeout."

Fitzpatrick also highlighted a play in overtime where he felt Nix failed to make a competitive play. "And then, in overtime, he’s got two chances to be competitive, the second one being a designed run for him to run, make someone miss and get a first down for your football team! Now they’re in the locker room right now, they’re excited they won. He’s not playing competitive football right now!"

Nix's 2025 season was previously cut short by an ankle fracture in the AFC divisional round, causing him to miss the subsequent conference championship game. This season, head coach Sean Payton took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb prior to last week's game. Despite two wins since the change in play-calling, the Broncos' offense has been described as mediocre.

Fitzpatrick concluded by expressing concern for the coaching staff and offensive line. "I can only imagine how Sean Payton feels,” Fitzpatrick said. “Sean Payton, Davis Webb, everybody that blocks for him. He’s not competing right now, and that’s something that he’s hung his hat on the last two years. I don’t know if he’s still injured or what’s going on, but it’s not good enough — it’s effort."