Bo Nix has become one of the most controversial players in the NFL. He's the subject of frequent average-depth-of-target-related jokes, but if you ask any Denver Broncos fan, they'll tell you that "he just wins."
It's hard to get much of a consensus on where Nix ranks among NFL quarterbacks. Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could offer a clear answer in Week 8, though. The Chiefs will take on the Broncos in an all-important AFC West battle, and Spags has the scheme and the personnel to put Nix in a blender.
Spagnuolo is set up to put on a masterclass in a much-needed Chiefs win.
Nix certainly has his strengths. He's willing to take what the defense gives him, and he has the rushing ability to make his opponents pay when they don't account for him. He has proved his doubters wrong again and again with that simple formula.
That being said, the formula to stop him is just as simple. Defenses that force him to beat them with his arm often come out on top. When Nix is blitzed and when he faces man coverage, he struggles.
Bo Nix's biggest weaknesses play into Chiefs' hands
This season, the Broncos QB ranks last among 34 quarterbacks in total EPA against six or more pass rushers, according to SumerSports. He's second-to-last against man coverage. Against man blitzes, he's completing just 41.2% of his passes.
Luckily for the Chiefs, Nix's struggles play right into Spagnuolo's hands. The Chiefs have run man coverage at an above-average rate this year (28%), and Spags is known for sending perfectly timed blitzes on passing downs. Man blitzes on third down have become his bread and butter over the years.
Steve Spagnuolo has the personnel to make Nix uncomfortable
Now that he has Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams on the back end, he can lean into aggressive man coverage looks more often. Those looks will be the key to beating the Broncos in Week 8. On third down and long, Spagnuolo can send all kinds of blitzes at Nix, forcing the quarterback to beat him with quick, accurate throws down the field.
As long as the Chiefs account for Nix's scrambling ability, they should be able to limit his effectiveness.
It's still relatively early in the season, but this game will be crucial in the race for the AFC West title. After the Chiefs' stumble against the Seattle Seahawks, they don't have much breathing room. Whichever team wins will claim the top spot. All eyes will be on this matchup, and Spagnuolo needs to emerge as the star of the day.
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