Broncos QB Bo Nix playing 'free and natural' going into Year 2

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix impressed in his rookie season, and his second year could be even better.

Now entering his second season in coach Sean Payton's offense, Nix is thinking less as the details are second nature to him. That allows the quarterback to play freely, and it's noticeable on the field.

“[Payton] mentioned it today, he had a completion on a play-action concept that last year he probably wasn't real comfortable with the footwork," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said last week. "He came back and said, ‘Man, it’s so great that I don't have to think about the footwork.’

"You can just feel the comfort level. He's not thinking as much when you give him the play. He can get in and out of the huddle with a lot more comfort. He doesn't have to think as much. He can just kind of play free and natural, and you can certainly sense that out here.”

Payton was also full of praise for the 25-year-old quarterback.

“Less pause, less hesitation with the play call in the huddle," Payton said of Nix's operating speed. "Less pause, less hesitation in the pocket. He’s playing fast, and again protecting the ball. He’s hard to sack. He was hard to sack in college. You’re seeing him practice faster with more confidence.”

Nix completed 66.3% of his passes for 3,775 yards with 29 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 430 yards and four scores on the ground, and he caught a touchdown pass as well. Now playing at a faster speed, the quarterback could be poised for an even better season in Year 2.

Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Bo Nix playing 'free and natural' going into Year 2