Even though the Denver Broncos suffered a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in their Wild Card playoff matchup on Sunday, Bo Nix is ​​still optimistic about the team’s long-term prospects.

“There’s a lot to grow from and build from,” Nix said after the game, via Michael Baca of NFL.com. “I’m happy to be here at this time because our path is going up steeply. I am excited about many things that lie ahead. We have a lot to look forward to, which I’m excited about.”

Nix and the Broncos kept the contest close in the first half on Sunday, taking an early 7-0 lead and trailing by just three points at halftime.

The Bills pulled away in the second half, scoring 21 points in the final two quarters.

As for Nix himself, the rookie quarterback finished 13 of 22 for 144 yards and a touchdown without turning the ball over. He also rushed for a team-high 43 yards on four attempts.

Despite the lopsided loss to Buffalo, the Broncos’ 2024 season was still extremely successful. They posted a 10-7 record, clinching a playoff spot for the first time since their Super Bowl victory in the 2015 season.

Nix, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is coming off a strong opening year. The 24-year-old completed 66.3 percent of his throws for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions. He rushed for 430 yards and four more scores.

The Broncos also feature several young stars on the defensive side of the ball, including cornerback Patrick Surtain II and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, both of whom are under 26 years old.

Denver was defeated in the playoffs on Sunday by an experienced Bills team, but the future is still bright for Nix’s squad.