In his second season at the helm of the Denver Broncos, Sean Payton brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Renowned for his time with the New Orleans Saints, Payton's coaching journey in Denver began with significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, Payton's strategic insights and player evaluations offer a promising outlook for the Broncos' future.
Adapting to New Challenges
Payton's first year with the Broncos was anything but smooth. The team faced numerous obstacles, demanding resilience and adaptability from both the coaching staff and the players. However, Payton's extensive background, highlighted by his successful partnership with Drew Brees in New Orleans, serves as a guiding light.
During his tenure with Brees, Payton saw the quarterback become one of the least sacked players in the NFL, averaging just 22 sacks per season over 19 years as a starter. Only twice in his 20-year career was Brees sacked more than 30 times in a single season. In contrast, Russell Wilson, the Broncos' current quarterback, faced an average of nearly 44 sacks per season during his initial 12-year career span. This stark difference underscores the importance of a quarterback's role in avoiding sacks, a point Payton emphasizes.
"I used to say this all the time: The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line," Payton remarked. "Brees was one of those guys, he was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that."
The Bo Nix Comparison
One of the more intriguing aspects of Payton's current season is his comparison of Drew Brees to Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft. Nix, who has played in 61 college games, brings a wealth of experience and potential to the Broncos. Payton sees similarities between the two quarterbacks, particularly in their pocket presence and decision-making.
"You see pretty good pocket sense. Doesn't take a lot of sacks. I think he knows when the play's over, time to go, and then, I think he can make plays when he's going," Payton observed, drawing parallels to Brees' own cautious and calculated style of play.
Payton also noted the maturity and eagerness of Nix to learn and adapt quickly, a trait that he values highly in his quarterbacks. "All right, we're looking for similarities. I would say mentally, [Nix] wants to know as much and as fast as he can. I think there's maybe a maturity level because, again, [Nix] played 61 games [in college] and when [the Saints] got Drew, it was off of his rookie contract and coming off an injury," Payton explained.
Future Prospects
The combination of Payton's experience and his keen insights into player development are crucial for the Broncos as they aim to build a competitive team. While Nix's entry into the NFL is still in its early stages, the positive attributes highlighted by Payton suggest a bright future.
Meanwhile, Russell Wilson continues to be a focal point for the Broncos. Assessing and improving his ability to avoid sacks may be pivotal for the team's offensive strategy. Payton's methodical approach and emphasis on quarterback performance could potentially rejuvenate Wilson's career trajectory.
Competition Within the Team
Additionally, Jarrett Stidham's competition for the starting job adds another layer of complexity and opportunity for the Broncos. With every practice and preseason game, Stidham strives to prove himself worthy of leading the team, reflecting the depth and competitive spirit within the roster.
Reflections and Anticipations
Reflecting on his previous accomplishments and the challenges ahead, Payton remains focused on leveraging his extensive experience to foster success in Denver. His ability to draw meaningful comparisons and insights from past players like Brees and apply them to current prospects such as Nix is indicative of his strategic mindset.
Drew Brees, who is anticipated to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, remains a benchmark for excellence in Payton's evaluations. As the Broncos navigate through the season, the blend of youth and experience in their lineup, guided by Payton's seasoned leadership, holds promise for a compelling narrative of growth and achievement.