Despite throwing for a career-high 352 yards on Sunday, Broncos’ Bo Nix wasn’t at his sharpest, committing two turnovers and sailing a high pass that led to a violent hit on Pat Bryant, who was taken by ambulance to a Denver-area hospital.
“He’s got movement. That’s encouraging,” Denver coach Sean Payton said postgame. “He was moving his hands and his legs.”
The Broncos (12-3) were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) in Week 16 at Mile High. It was Denver’s first loss since Week 3 and now sets up a potential Week 18 showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) for the division and top seed.
Bo Nix says he feels ‘responsible because I threw it’
Bryant was injured on a whiplash tackle by Montaric Brown after making a leaping catch. Officials initially threw a flag but later picked it up, ruling that Brown did not contact Bryant’s neck or head, though replays appeared to show the crown of Brown’s helmet striking Bryant’s chin.
Nix looked visibly shaken as Bryant was attended to by the medical staff.
“You never wanna see somebody in that situation and I feel responsible because I threw it,” Nix said postgame. “You can say it’s part of the game, [but] you just never want to see it.
“It’s one of those things you wish you could avoid. That was a tough situation.”
Nix finished 28-for-47 on 352 yards with a touchdown and interception. He displayed confidence postgame, saying everything will be fixed in time for Thursday's Christmas night game against the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6).
“I’m gonna do my best to fix all the mistakes I can on a quick turnaround and not let the same things get us. It’ll be done,” Nix said.