As Sean Payton gears up for his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, the seasoned leader reflects on the challenges and prospects ahead. In his first year with the Broncos, Payton faced a turbulent season, a stark contrast to the immense success he enjoyed with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.
Drawing Parallels: Brees and Nix
Sean Payton's knack for quarterback mentorship is well known. During his time with the Saints, he forged a formidable partnership with Brees, guiding him to emerge as an all-time great. Payton often draws comparisons between Brees and Bo Nix, the Broncos' 12th overall pick in the recent April draft. "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 remarked, highlighting an important characteristic he sees in Nix.
Indeed, Brees' ability to avoid sacks was remarkable. Over his illustrious 20-year career, Brees was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice, averaging just 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. In comparison, Russell Wilson, the current starting quarterback for the Broncos, was sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season during his initial 12-year career span. This stark difference underlines the importance of quick decision-making and pocket awareness, qualities that Payton hopes Nix can emulate.
The Path Ahead for Bo Nix
Bo Nix has already shown glimpses of the maturity and quarterback intelligence Payton values so highly. Having played 61 college games, Nix brings a wealth of experience and a demonstrated ability to handle the pressures of high-stakes football. Payton has noted, "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's comparison is apt, considering both quarterbacks came into prominent roles under unique circumstances. For Nix, stepping into a professional career with the Broncos carries the expectation of replicating the success Brees had under Payton's guidance. "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 said, emphasizing Nix's in-game awareness and decision-making prowess.
Competition Under Center
While Bo Nix represents a promising future, the Broncos' immediate quarterback scene is equally compelling. Jarrett Stidham is currently in contention for the starting job, adding a competitive edge to the Broncos' preseason preparations. The internal competition ensures that whoever takes the helm will be well-prepared and hard-fought, reflecting Payton's philosophy of meritocracy and resilience.
The Legacy of Drew Brees
As Payton formulates plans and strategies for the Broncos, the shadow of his successful past with Brees inevitably lingers. Brees is a strong candidate for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, a testament to the extraordinary accomplishments during his tenure with Payton. The duo's achievements with the Saints set a high bar, one that Payton aspires to replicate in Denver, albeit with a different set of players and circumstances.
Payton’s approach is one of calculated optimism, bolstered by a belief in his coaching abilities and the potential he sees in his players. The forthcoming season is both a trial and an opportunity to turn the page, integrating lessons from the past while carving out a new legacy with the Broncos. If Payton can harness the talents of quarterbacks like Wilson, Stidham, and especially the up-and-coming Nix, Denver fans might have ample reason to be excited for what lies ahead.