Bo Nix was absolutely awful in injury return in Broncos’ blowout ‘MNF’ loss

This version of Bo Nix wouldn’t have advanced the Broncos to the Super Bowl last season.

Nix endured a “pretty pitiful” night Monday in the 31-10 road loss to the Chiefs in his return from the ankle fracture that sidelined him for the AFC Championship game loss to the Patriots.

The third-year quarterback completed 17 of 28 passes for 128 yards with just one touchdown pass, while he also lost a fumble and threw an interception on “Monday Night Football.”

“We let ourselves down and shot ourselves in the foot and literally gave ourself no chance to succeed today,” Nix said. “Made it easier for them. We know we have to be better.

“Just a nasty wake-up call today.”

Nix, 26, led the Broncos to the AFC’s top seed last year before his season ended in heartbreaking fashion when he fractured his ankle during the overtime Divisional Round win over the Bills.

Denver had to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham in the AFC title game and lost 10-7 at home to the Patriots, opening the door for many in the Rocky Mountains to wonder what could have been had Nix been healthy.

The Broncos are expected to be a top team again this season, provided Nix can lead a competent offense to complement the team’s stout defense.

Perhaps some of Monday can be chalked up to rust, but Nix did not look the part Monday.

The Chiefs sacked him on his first snap and he threw an interception on his first pass attempt, which Kansas City converted into a touchdown for an early 7-0 lead.

Nix responded by leading a touchdown drive on the next possession, but that would mark the highlight of the Broncos’ offense for the night.

Denver punted to end the remainder of its four first-half drives.

“I thought we responded well after that in the first half,” Nix said, “but just couldn’t get back fully into the game.”

Denver had a chance to get back in the game in the third quarter after the defense intercepted Patrick Mahomes, but Nix could not get the ball in the end zone despite having a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line.

“You can’t win games like that,” Nix said of that failed drive.

On the following possession while trailing 24-10, Nix lost the ball while being sacked and Kenneth Walker III scored his second touchdown to all but seal the game.

With Nix struggling, new star receiver Jaylen Waddle finished with one catch for two yards and veteran Courtland Sutton tallied just two catches for 11 yards.

Denver coach Sean Payton credited the Chiefs for “winning in every phrase,” and cite the offense’s struggles on third down (2-for-12) and rushing the ball (61 rushing yards).

Monday also marked the first game with Davis Webb as the team’s offensive coordinator after previously serving as the quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.

“We had way too many penalties, negative plays, turnovers, put our defense in bad spots,” Nix said. “Honestly, from whole offense, whole team, we just didn’t play very good.”

The Broncos return to Colorado for their home opener in Week 2 against a strong Jacksonville team that won the AFC South last season and trounced the Browns in Week 1.