Located at 5,280 feet above sea level, Empower Field at Mile High Stadium is the highest-elevated stadium in the NFL, which can present a challenge for players as they battle effects of the altitude.
“It’s something that you understand is going to be there and you have to prepare for it mentally more than anything. Obviously, physically you do everything possible to get your body in the best shape for this moment,” LB Jordan Hicks said. “But, if it’s a long drive, it’s going to be tough, you just better be able to push through it. But I think it’s trying to get off the field as quickly as possible as a defense.”
The Browns have earned one road win this season, coming in Week 2 against Jacksonville. The Broncos, who are 3-2 at home this season, are riding a two-game winning streak behind the emergence of rookie QB Bo Nix.
After throwing four interceptions and averaging just 165 passing yards per game through the first four weeks of the season, Nix has shown his ability to excel in head coach Sean Payton’s offensive scheme.
Since Week 4, Nix has averaged 236 passing yards per game, leading the Broncos to a 7-5 record.
“He’s doing a nice job,” Stefanski said. “He’s a good, young player. Played a lot of football in college, you see that. He makes smart decisions with the football.”
While still a rookie, Nix has plenty of football experience under his belt. During the 2023, season, Nix set the NCAA record for the most career starts in college football with 54. Nix started his college career at Auburn in 2019 before transferring to Oregon ahead of the 2022 season.
Stefanski said that he’s seen Nix’s experience benefit him in his early NFL career.
“I think in general, it’s like reps,” Stefanski said. “It’s getting another turn at it. When you look at quarterbacks a lot of times you look at games started when you’re talking about college quarterbacks as a part of your evaluation. So, that’s…
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