Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared like an Offensive Rookie of the 12 months lock till Bo Nix arrived.
In a 38-6 residence victory over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, the Denver Broncos QB had season highs in completion proportion (84.9 p.c), yards passing (307) and landing passes (4).
Per NFL researcher Dante Koplowitz-Fleming, he turned the primary rookie in league historical past to finish at the least 80 p.c of his passes whereas throwing for at the least 300 yards and 4 TDs.
“He is him,” Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II mentioned of Nix, through ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “I informed him, ‘Man you are attempting to win MVP, not even trying like Offensive Rookie of the 12 months proper now, it is trying like MVP. Only a testomony to him. He places the work in.”
The No. 12 general choose threw no TDs and 4 interceptions via his first three video games. Since then, he is made important strides, tossing 14 TDs and two picks in his last eight contests.
Whereas Nix is on a scorching streak, Daniels is in a chilly spell. Over his past two games, the No. 2 general choose registered one TD go, one interception and a below-average 29.4 QBR. A nagging rib damage might be impacting his efficiency.
“If Washington and Daniels proceed to battle whereas Nix and the Broncos proceed to ascend, this turns into an excellent race extra rapidly than folks understand,” wrote ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano Monday. “Take the vote proper now, and Daniels most likely wins it — and deserves to win it. However the vote is not for seven extra weeks, and quite a bit can occur.”
As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook offers Nix the second-best OROY odds (+400) behind Daniels (-600).
To leapfrog Daniels, Nix may have a signature second. In an 18-15 Week 8 victory over the Bears, Daniels threw a profitable 52-yard Hail Mary to vast receiver Noah Brown, which is difficult to prime.
Nevertheless, the Broncos (6-5) are ready to earn their first postseason berth since 2015. If Nix and firm finish the NFL’s second-longest energetic playoff drought, that ought to make the OROY race even nearer.
