Sean Payton’s Second Season: Comparing Stars and Facing Challenges
As Sean Payton steps into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, the comparisons between the past and the present are already swirling around. Payton, renowned for his incredible success with quarterback Drew Brees during their time with the New Orleans Saints, finds himself drawing parallels between Brees and another promising talent, Bo Nix.
Payton’s tenure in Denver began with a rocky start. First seasons are often tough, filled with adjustment periods and the challenge of instilling a new coaching philosophy. Nevertheless, Payton’s history shows he has the ability to turn around a team, much like he did with the Saints.
Reflecting on Brees, Payton often emphasizes the quarterback's low sack numbers as a testament to his quick thinking and ability to release the ball efficiently. "I used to say this all the time: The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line. Brees was one of those guys, he was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that," Payton noted. Brees' career stats back up Payton's praise, having been sacked more than 30 times in a season only twice, averaging just 22 sacks per season over his 19-year career.
Payton sees similar qualities in Bo Nix, who was the 12th overall pick in April’s draft and has played 61 college games. This extensive college experience adds to Nix’s maturity on the field, a quality that Payton holds in high regard. Payton reflected, "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."
Another challenge for the Broncos this season is managing their quarterback situation. Russell Wilson, who joined the Broncos with high expectations, has struggled with consistency, not least due to the protection issues upfront. Wilson was sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season during his initial 12-year career span. This raises questions about his longevity and effectiveness if the offensive line can’t provide better protection.
Payton acknowledges the importance of pocket sense and quick decision-making in reducing sack numbers. In Nix, he sees potential: "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." This observation underlines Payton's belief that the sack problem is not solely on the offensive line but also on the quarterback's ability to read the game and react promptly.
Interestingly, there is also competition brewing for the starting quarterback role in Denver. Jarrett Stidham is vying for the top spot, adding another layer of complexity to Payton’s decision-making process. This competition can only be beneficial, forcing all involved to elevate their game and bring their best to the field every day. It is a dynamic that Payton seems keen to foster.
Beyond the current season, Payton’s long-term vision for the Broncos seems intertwined with fostering a winning mentality reminiscent of his days with the Saints. Brees, who is anticipated to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, set a high bar for any quarterback under Payton's tutelage. The ability to quickly release the ball and minimize sacks is clearly a priority in Payton's training regime, aiming to replicate the success he found with Brees.
The Broncos’ progress under Payton and the development of their quarterbacks will be fascinating to watch. The high stakes, coupled with the coach's strategic insights and comparisons to legendary players, make for an intriguing season. As the narrative unfolds, Denver fans hope that Payton's second year brings noticeable improvements and a step closer to the storied success he once enjoyed in New Orleans.