Sean Payton Gears Up for Second Year in Denver: Drawing Parallels Between Brees and Nix
As Sean Payton steps into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, the veteran coach finds himself reflecting on past successes and drawing comparisons to a promising future. The transition to Denver has been anything but smooth for the seasoned coach, whose first year presented formidable challenges. Nonetheless, Payton's analytical approach and experience may offer the Broncos a renewed sense of hope.
Payton's legacy with the New Orleans Saints, particularly his partnership with quarterback Drew Brees, is well-documented and often considered one of the most successful coach-player tandems in NFL history. Together, Payton and Brees transformed the Saints into perennial contenders. This history becomes particularly relevant as Payton now takes a keen interest in developing quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Bo Nix.
Russell Wilson, known for his agility and playmaking skills, has faced stiff challenges throughout his career. Over his initial 12 years in the league, Wilson endured an average of nearly 44 sacks per season, a stark contrast to Brees' career. Remarkably, 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. This discrepancy underscores a significant point Payton often emphasizes: the sack numbers reflect more on the quarterback than the offensive line.
"I used to say this all the time: The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line," Payton noted. "Brees was one of those guys, he was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that."
Comparisons to Brees and the Future with Bo Nix
Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, enters the Broncos' organization under a microscope, partly due to Payton's propensity to draw comparisons between him and Brees. Nix's collegiate experience is nothing short of extensive, having played in 61 games. Payton sees in Nix a similar pocket sense and decision-making ability that characterized Brees's career.
"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 about Nix.
Payton's enthusiasm for Nix extends beyond just his technical abilities. The mental aspects of Nix's game and his fast learning curve remind Payton of the characteristics that made Brees special. "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.
Competition and Development
As the new season approaches, the Broncos find themselves amid an intense quarterback competition. Alongside the seasoned Wilson, Jarrett Stidham is also in the mix, vying for the starting role. The presence of multiple talented quarterbacks provides Payton with options and challenges, and how he manages this competition could define the Broncos' upcoming season.
In turning around a franchise that has struggled in recent years, Payton draws from his extensive experience and the lessons learned from his time with Brees. Achieving success in Denver will require not just focusing on minimizing sacks and maximizing playmaking but also instilling the mental fortitude and quick decision-making seen in Brees and hoped for in Nix.
While the comparisons to a future Hall of Famer set a high bar, Payton's confidence in Nix's potential and his ability to reduce pressure on the quarterback position underscore a path forward for the Broncos. As Payton gears up for his second year, the journey ahead will undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but also laced with opportunities for growth and success, much like the storied past he left behind in New Orleans.