Sean Payton's Path Forward with the Denver Broncos
As Sean Payton steps into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, comparisons between his previous tenure with the New Orleans Saints and his current role abound. Particularly striking is how often Payton draws parallels between quarterbacks Drew Brees and Bo Nix, the latter of whom was the 12th overall pick in April's draft and has already played 61 college games.
"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 importance of a quarterback’s decision-making. "Brees was one of those guys, he was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that." Here, Payton speaks to the poise and pocket awareness that defined Brees’s career and now hint at Nix's potential to make a similar impact.
The success Payton enjoyed with Brees at the helm of the Saints is evident. Brees was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice over his 20-year career, averaging just 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. In stark contrast, Russell Wilson, during his initial 12-year career span, was sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season. This discrepancy underscores the critical role of the quarterback’s presence in the pocket, an aspect Payton meticulously evaluates.
"You see pretty good pocket sense," Payton added when discussing Nix. "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’s insights suggest that the young quarterback's ability to know when to release the ball and when to extend the play could be pivotal for the Broncos, especially given the challenges faced in his first year.
Payton's inaugural season in Denver was undoubtedly challenging. Transitioning to a new team and system always comes with growing pains, but the head coach seems optimistic about the direction the franchise is heading. Part of this optimism stems from the maturity and experience Nix brings from his extensive college career.
"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 observed. The head coach’s emphasis on mental acuity and a voracious appetite for knowledge bodes well for Nix’s development under his guidance.
The looming question for the Broncos is who will secure the starting quarterback job. Bo Nix faces competition from Jarrett Stidham, making the offseason a critical period for evaluating leadership at the quarterback position. Payton’s history with Brees, who is anticipated to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, provides a benchmark for what he may seek in his next starting quarterback.
As the Broncos look to navigate the complexities of a highly competitive NFL landscape, Payton’s focus on instilling a smart, quick decision-making process in his quarterbacks could be the key to reversing the narrative of his challenging first season. If Bo Nix can translate the traits Payton admires into tangible success on the field, the parallels with Drew Brees might not just be a point of discussion, but a foundation for the future.
The offseason is often a time for speculation and optimism. For the Denver Broncos and Sean Payton, it's about positioning themselves for a strong comeback. With an experienced head coach known for developing elite quarterbacks and a promising new talent in Bo Nix, the pieces are in place for a potentially transformative season.