Denver Broncos’ Troy Franklin catches Bo Nix’s first NFL touchdown against LA Chargers

Former Oregon Ducks and current Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin caught his first NFL touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix. The former Ducks duo was facing fellow Oregon Duck and current Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers beat the Broncos 23-16.

Trailing 23-0 in the fourth quarter, Nix and Franklin connected over the middle for a two-yard touchdown. After the game, Nix spoke with reporters about his connection with Franklin.

“We’ve been practicing that play this week, and he was there for me and he got open, he got it,” Nix said. “I thought it was perfect and I was really excited, you know, about it. It was a great connection. And, you know, I thought it was unique: We had an Oregon player take it, an Oregon player throw it, and an Oregon player take it. So , I don’t know if this has ever happened in the NFL, it’s probably been around for so long, but I think it’s really cool.

The Denver Broncos’ starting center is former Duck Alex Forsyth, who played at Oregon from 2018 to 2022. Forsyth is in his second year in the NFL and has played in five games for the Broncos this season.

Reporters asked Nix about the growth he’s seen from Franklin and fellow rookie wide receiver Devaugh Vele, and Nix revealed the enthusiasm Denver has for its rookie pass catchers.

“We’re excited about these two. They had great camps. They had great seasons. They trained hard. They’re really smart players. They showed up today, played hard in an important moment. They’re really competitive players, smart players and I’m excited to see their growth as they move forward. we need to move forward,” Nix said.

In the Chargers’ victory, Herbert completed 21 of his 34 passes for 237 yards. Herbert’s only touchdown pass was thrown to rookie running back Kimani Vidal. Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey led the team with eight targets, emerging as one of Herbert’s most reliable targets.

Unfortunately for Herbert and the Chargers, McConkey suffered an apparent head injury against the Broncos.

In Week 7, the former Oregon Ducks will be playing in prime time.

Next up for Herbert and Los Angeles is another road game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football on October 21st. Nix and the Denver Broncos have a short week as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football.