Sean Payton is set to begin his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos with a renewed sense of determination. After a challenging first year in Denver, Payton is drawing on his vast experience and the lessons learned from his time in New Orleans where he found immense success pairing with quarterback Drew Brees.
One of the most intriguing narratives surrounding Payton’s current tenure is his comparison of former Saints star Drew Brees and the newly drafted Bo Nix. Throughout his career, Payton has often compared different quarterbacks to Brees, considering Brees' remarkable ability to minimize sacks and efficiently manage the game. This contrast is particularly significant when evaluating the abilities of Bo Nix, who was the 12th overall pick in this year's draft.
Finding Parallels: Brees and Nix
Sean Payton highlighted the similarities between Bo Nix and Drew Brees in a series of observations that shed light on why he thinks Nix could be a key figure in the Broncos' future. “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 pointed out. This high praise from Payton underscores his belief in Nix’s potential to make intelligent decisions quickly, a critical trait for a successful NFL quarterback.
Another aspect Payton mentioned was Nix's pocket presence and game sense, qualities that he believes set Nix apart. “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,” said Payton. These attributes are fundamental as they echo Brees' career strategy of avoiding unnecessary hits and extending plays, qualities that have helped quarterbacks achieve longevity and success in the league.
Lessons from Denver's First Year
Payton’s first year in Denver did not go as smoothly as hoped, presenting various challenges. However, with the experience of managing and coaching one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history, Payton is well-equipped to turn things around.
The performance of Russell Wilson, the Broncos' current quarterback, has been a topic of considerable discussion. Wilson was sacked nearly 44 times on average per season during his first 12 years in the NFL. This stands in stark contrast to Brees, who was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice over his 20-year career and averaged 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. Wilson’s susceptibility to being sacked has been identified as an area requiring urgent attention, a challenge Payton is no stranger to resolving.
A Competitive Environment
Compounding the quarterback dynamic in Denver is the presence of Jarrett Stidham, who is currently competing for the starting job. This competition reflects Payton’s commitment to fostering a high-performance environment, ensuring that every player earns their position on the merits of performance and capability.
A Glimpse into the Future
In terms of future outlook, Payton's observations about Nix also touch on the young quarterback's maturity and college experience. Nix has played in an impressive 61 college games, an experience that Payton believes will serve him well in transitioning to the professional ranks. “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,” said Payton. This maturity and eagerness to learn could be pivotal in accelerating Nix's development and integration into the Broncos' system.
As the Broncos prepare for the upcoming season, Sean Payton’s seasoned perspective, strategic insights, and comparisons between current and former quarterbacks bring a fascinating dimension to Denver's evolving narrative. With the right blend of talent, experience, and tactical acumen, Payton's vision for the Broncos could very well steer them towards a successful season ahead.