The Legacy Continues: Sean Payton's Second Season with the Denver Broncos
Sean Payton, entering his second season with the Denver Broncos, is a coach known for his meticulousness and strategic acumen. Payton's first year in Denver was far from smooth, reflecting the transitioning phase the Broncos are undergoing. As he advances into this new chapter, the comparisons between quarterbacks of the past and present are front and center.
Payton’s career is inextricably linked with the success he found with Drew Brees during their tenure with the New Orleans Saints. The partnership brought the Saints a Super Bowl victory and several playoff appearances. Brees, renowned for his quick release and pocket awareness, was rarely sacked—exceptional traits often credited with his enduring success. Over his 20-year career, Brees was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice and averaged just 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. This kind of performance sets a high bar for any quarterback aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
In Denver, Payton sees some of these traits in Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, who brings a wealth of experience with 61 college games under his belt. When drawing comparisons between Drew Brees and Bo Nix, Payton emphasizes the importance of a quarterback's ability to avoid sacks. "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.
Payton's observations aren't made lightly. He highlights Nix's "pretty good pocket sense" and his ability to avoid unnecessary sacks. "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 explained. Nix, much like Brees, demonstrates a maturity level that is promising for the Broncos' future. "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 remarked.
However, the Broncos' current quarterback situation remains complex. Russell Wilson, the team's veteran quarterback, has had a decorated career but also faced significant challenges, including being sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season during his initial 12-year career span. This statistic stands in stark contrast to the protection Brees experienced and highlights the critical need for improved offensive line performance or quicker decision-making from the quarterback.
Another dynamic at play is the competition for the starting job. Jarrett Stidham, currently vying for the starting position alongside Wilson, adds another layer of intrigue to Denver's quarterback situation. Payton's strategic decisions and evaluations in the upcoming season will be pivotal in determining who will lead the team moving forward.
As Sean Payton embarks on this new season with the Denver Broncos, the shadows of past successes and the promises of new potentials create a compelling narrative. The comparisons between Drew Brees and Bo Nix underscore the high expectations surrounding the team's future quarterback performance. With Payton at the helm, leveraging his vast experience and strategic insights, the Broncos aim to rise from the challenges of the past year and set a new course towards success.