Sean Payton is entering his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, aiming to leave behind a challenging first year. As he builds his team, he often finds himself making comparisons to his past, particularly to the success he enjoyed with Drew Brees during their tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
Reflections on Sacks and Quarterback Performance
One of the key areas Payton is focusing on is the performance and protection of his quarterbacks. During Russell Wilson's initial 12-year career span, he was sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season. In contrast, Drew Brees, over 20 years, was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice, averaging 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter.
Payton shared his insights on the correlation between sack numbers and quarterback performance: "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."
Bo Nix: The New Prospect
One of the most intriguing players in Payton's current roster is Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft. With an impressive college career featuring 61 games, Nix draws comparisons to Brees in Payton's eyes. "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 remarked, highlighting Nix's potential for quick decision-making and agility in avoiding sacks.
Payton also emphasized Nix's hunger for knowledge and maturity developed through extensive college experience. "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," he explained.
The Drew Brees Legacy
The legacy of Drew Brees, who is anticipated to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, still looms large in Payton's coaching philosophy. Brees' ability to minimize sacks while maintaining high performance is a benchmark Payton aims to replicate with his current roster, particularly with Nix.
Competition for the Starting Job
Meanwhile, the competition for the starting quarterback job in Denver remains fierce. Jarrett Stidham is currently vying for the position, adding another dynamic to Payton's strategy. The coach's experience with Brees' development is certainly an asset as he looks to mold the Broncos' quarterbacks for success.
As Payton enters his second season, his reflections on past successes and his keen eye for emerging talent like Bo Nix will be crucial in turning the Broncos around. With high expectations and a renewed focus, the team's trajectory under Payton's guidance will be closely watched by both fans and analysts alike.