Sean Payton's second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos marks a pivotal time as he aims to turn the team's fortunes around following a challenging first year. In his quest to build a competitive team, Payton has shared his thoughts on two quarterbacks who have had vastly different paths in their careers: Drew Brees and Bo Nix.
Payton's Quarterback Comparisons
Sean Payton’s partnership with Drew Brees in New Orleans is well-documented, a period marked by immense success, including a Super Bowl victory. Payton often draws comparisons between Brees and current quarterbacks under his watch, particularly highlighting the parallels he sees with rookie Bo Nix. "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."
The comparison is not just about playing style but also about their mental approach and maturity. "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 explained, further discussing Nix's instinctive feel for the game, much like Brees. However, what stands out is Nix's exposure at the college level. "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."
Challenges in the First Year
Payton's initial season in Denver wasn't smooth sailing, to say the least. The Broncos struggled to find consistency, and the responsibility falls heavily on Payton's shoulders to turn things around. One of the critical areas requiring attention is quarterback protection. During Russell Wilson's first twelve years in the NFL, he was sacked nearly 44 times per season on average, a statistic that underlines the necessity for stronger offensive line performance.
In stark contrast, Drew Brees, over his 20-year career, was sacked more than 30 times in a season only twice and averaged just 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. This remarkable protection is partly due to Brees' quick decision-making and pocket awareness, qualities that Payton sees potential for in Nix.
The New Contender: Bo Nix
Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April’s draft, enters the NFL with a wealth of experience from his 61 college games. His selection indicates that the Broncos see him as a cornerstone for their future. Payton's high praise for Nix might hint at an eventual transition where Nix could assume a significant role within the team. As Payton remarked, Nix's maturity and quick learning abilities could be the key factors that eventually elevate him to a starting position.
Competition in the Ranks
Currently vying for the starting quarterback job alongside Russell Wilson is Jarrett Stidham. The competition is expected to be fierce, with each quarterback bringing different strengths to the table. Payton's evaluations and decisions in this regard will be critical in setting the tone for the Broncos' future direction.
As the second season under Payton unfolds, his strategic decisions and the performance of quarterbacks like Nix and Stidham will undoubtedly be closely watched. The comparisons to Drew Brees set a high bar, reflecting the standards Payton aspires to with his current roster. With a renewed sense of purpose, the Denver Broncos look to overcome past challenges and build a winning tradition under Payton’s guidance.