Time for Broncos QB Bo Nix’s best vs. bad Raiders defense

Do you want a laptop or a quarterback?

The first quarter of the season ended last Sunday revealing early truths. Bo Nix can handle Sean Payton’s lengthy play calls and his responsibility at the line of scrimmage. He has revealed a slow heartbeat even as the loud beeps of the fire alarm go off around him.

But we can all agree Nix was not drafted to just be a processor. He can be much better. And it is time for Payton and Nix to dance to the same beat this week against the Raiders, time for Nix to announce he has arrived.

Until now we have seen snapshots that fit in social media posts, like his first drive against Tampa Bay — 4 for 4 for 70 yards — and his third-and-11, Prestone-in-veins throw to Courtland Sutton versus the Jets that helped deliver the game’s only touchdown march.

Given the time, place and opponent, Nix is ready to play his best game, ready to show why Payton selected him with the 12th overall pick.

The Broncos own a respectable .500 record after playing three of their first four on the road. But it is because of the Orange Crutch defense. The Broncos are averaging 15.5 points per game, ranking in the bottom third of nearly every important offensive category, including total yards, yards per play and net passing.

There is so much more to Nix than this. For long stretches, he looks like a survivor aspiring to become a game manager. This is not who he is. There is something about Nix. We just haven’t seen it yet. At least not for 60 minutes.

It is understood he is a rookie. He doesn’t act like one. As Payton said Wednesday in the Broncos’ return to sunshine after seven soggy days on the East Coast, “We have to be stepping on the gas right now.”

Payton has used the analogy of painting the perfect picture and removing Nix from the high dive. How about this? If the Broncos want to go fast, they must stop grinding gears. And this week provides a straightaway to redline the engine.

The Raiders defense stinks. They don’t do anything particularly well. When the Broncos trailed 6-0 at halftime last Sunday, Payton felt confident they would win, describing balance as critical even as he called 16 dropbacks and nine rush attempts. Payton always says the right things. It’s time to do them, pairing his sharp mind with Nix’s skillset.

How about four quarters of competent offense? Who’s with me? It is October after all. And it is at home in front of a crowd that has no desire to see bad and boring again.

Of all the embarrassing things over the last eight years of no playoffs and seven straight losing seasons, nothing is worse than dropping eight straight to the Raiders. These are not Al Davis’ outcasts, who won Super Bowls in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s.

These Raiders boast a losing record during this current domination of Denver. There are defining moments in every season, and there should be one Sunday with the Broncos becoming the boxing glove instead of the speed bag.

“I know it’s important for this organization,” Nix said. “It’s been a long time (without a win).”

We know Vance Joseph’s defense will keep Denver in the game, especially with Las Vegas likely without star receiver Davante Adams — he has requested a trade — and running back Josh Jacobs now playing in Green Bay.

To not only win but be considered an impressive victory, Nix must look the part. Underneath his crewcut is a vicious competitor, eyes that shoot daggers, ever on the lookout for a way to find an edge. He should be the best quarterback on the field Sunday — Gardner Minshew forever keeps the crown of best hair with his skullet — by a large margin.

It has been difficult to evaluate Nix because of odd game plans, poor weather and a lack of playmakers.

Those are reasons. But they start to sound like excuses in Week 5. Is it too much to ask for Payton to establish the run with an offensive line that is now consistently winning at the point of attack? It will liberate Nix, creating opportunities for play-action, naked bootlegs and run options off fake handoffs.