How Bo Nix's first two games stack up to John Elway's

Reality check: Denver has struggled to find a reliable playmaker since Peyton Manning trotted off to retirement in 2016.

• But Nix has time to develop. He has 15 more opportunities this season to prove he can win in sunset orange and midnight navy.

State of play: Fans seem to have far less patience for player development than in previous eras, especially when it comes to its quarterbacks.

• "Broncos Country is going to get tired of hearing this, but breaking in a rookie QB is a process. Usually a painful one," writes the Denver Post's Sean Keeler.

What they're saying: "It's way too early to make any broader long-term judgments about Nix, but he's an extremely limited quarterback right now," per ESPN staff writer Bill Barnwell.

The bottom line: The Broncos' playoff odds aren't good — a 4.3% chance, according to ESPN — but that's not zero, and for now, it will have to be enough for fans to give a rookie quarterback a chance to show why he's the team's best option.

• And, if it helps: Elway's rookie season ended with a playoff berth thanks to QB play from teammates Steve DeBerg and Gary Kubiak.

Go deeper: Make the most of Broncos tailgating on game day