Pre-Game Props: Chiefs DC Praises Bo Nix: “Toughest QB We’ve Faced”
Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses have stymied rookie quarterbacks in recent years, but he’s not underestimating Denver’s Bo Nix.
“It’s another athletic quarterback, and those guys are headaches … because you’re afraid he’s going to make you look bad with his feet,” the Chiefs defensive coordinator said of the Broncos signal-caller Thursday. “Listen, the guy can throw the football. There’s no doubt about it. They got themselves a good one.”
Nix won Offensive Rookie of the Month in October, but the No. 12 overall pick is coming off an underwhelming performance.
In Week 9, the Baltimore Ravens crushed the Broncos, 41-10. Nix finished 19-of-33 passing for 223 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in the road loss.
The Auburn and Oregon product could have another grueling game against K.C. Since Spagnuolo assumed DC duties in 2019, rookie QBs are 2-5 against the Chiefs, per NFL.com editor Brooke Cersosimo.
The Chiefs (8-0) rank fourth in the league in points allowed (18.4) and are tied for eighth in pressure rate (27%), via Pro Football Reference.
Nix acknowledged K.C. is elite but indicated its defense doesn’t intimidate him.
“I think this is the epitome of why you want to play in the NFL,” Nix told the media Wednesday. “You want to play against these defenses.”
The Chiefs have struggled to defend mobile QBs like Nix, who is averaging 5.1 yards per carry in nine games. Although they beat Baltimore 27-20 in Week 1, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson rushed for a season-high 122 yards on 16 carries.
Nix may give the Chiefs some problems. Still, it seems they’re not letting their guard down, possibly giving them an edge in Sunday’s home game. As of Thursday, ESPN Bet lists them as an eight-point favorite.
