Sean Payton's Second Season with the Denver Broncos: Comparisons and Challenges
As Sean Payton steps into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, the challenges of his first year linger in the rearview mirror. Yet, despite the hurdles, Payton remains unwavering in his efforts to rebuild the team and foster success. Drawing on his past experiences and stark comparisons between his former and current players, Payton's strategies and insights are poised to shape the Broncos' future.
One compelling aspect of Payton's career is his knack for developing quarterbacks. His tenure with the New Orleans Saints found him achieving immense success with Drew Brees, a quarterback known for his extraordinary pocket presence and low sack rate. Payton has often drawn parallels between Brees and Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, who has already demonstrated a promising track record with 61 college games under his belt.
"I used to say this all the time: The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line," Payton remarked, emphasizing the pivotal role quarterbacks play in their own protection. "Brees was one of those guys, he was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that."
Indeed, Brees' statistics corroborate Payton's assessment. Over his illustrious 20-year NFL career, Brees was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice, averaging merely 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. This kind of discipline and awareness in the pocket is something Payton sees potential for in Bo Nix.
"You see pretty good pocket sense. Doesn't take a lot of sacks. I think when he knows when the play's over, time to go, and then, I think he can make plays when he's going," Payton continued, drawing attention to Nix's decision-making skills under pressure.
However, Payton's first year with the Broncos was anything but smooth. One glaring issue was the high sack numbers endured by Russell Wilson, who was taken down an average of nearly 44 times per season during his initial 12-year career span. This alarming rate of sacks starkly contrasts with the protection Brees enjoyed and signifies an area Payton aims to address as he molds the Broncos' offense.
Amidst the structural adjustments, another competition brews within the team. Jarrett Stidham is currently vying for the starting quarterback position in Denver, adding another layer of complexity to the Broncos' quest for stability. The competition underlines the team's determination to find the right blend of talent and strategy to elevate their performance.
In examining the differences and similarities between Bo Nix and Drew Brees, Payton highlights a distinctive maturity in Nix, shaped by his extensive college experience. "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," he explained.
This mature mentality could be pivotal for the Broncos as they seek to rebound from a challenging season and create a more cohesive, resilient team. The anticipation of Drew Brees' induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026 serves as a testament to the extraordinary career he built, in no small part due to Payton's influence. It's a legacy that Payton undoubtedly hopes to replicate with the Broncos, leveraging his experiences and insights to foster a winning culture.
As the new season approaches, the Broncos remain a team in reconstruction. With Sean Payton at the helm, guiding emerging talents like Bo Nix and managing established players like Russell Wilson, the future holds the promise of improvement. Key to this transformation will be the application of lessons from Payton's past successes and the relentless drive to overcome the obstacles that marked his first year in Denver.