In 2023 the Denver Broncos were in desperate need of professionalism, leadership, and talent. In walked Super Bowl-winning coach, Sean Payton. In his first year, Payton found himself on unstable ground. He inherited a veteran quarterback who clashed with his proven system. The defense was riddled with weaknesses, allowing opposing running backs to rack up over 131 yards per game, 30th in the NFL. Now, in his second year and completing the initial 53-man roster, Sean Payton has made the Denver Broncos in his image.
Out With The Old
After another losing season in 2023, it was clear the Denver Broncos needed to rethink everything. That sentiment was not lost on Head Coach Sean Payton. He could not work with a starting quarterback who saw ghosts on the field and was frightened by criticism off the field. Payton decided the Walton-Penner Ownership Group—the wealthiest in professional sports—would be better off paying Russell Wilson $37 million to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Walking away from Wilson was an easy decision, but Payton didn’t foresee Tim Patrick’s lights-out preseason after returning from two terrible injuries and lost seasons. It was clear that rookie starting Quarterback Bo Nix and Patrick were beginning to establish chemistry. Patrick, who is a locker room and fan favorite, was the security blanket for Nix whenever the chains needed to be moved or a score imperative.
The reality of the NFL is, however, that “Father Time” wins and Patrick will turn 31 this fall. Sean Payton traded up to get receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round and drafted Devaughn Vele in the 7th round last year. With this influx of youth, Sean Payton was comfortable giving Tim Patrick his walking papers.
Other Offseason Moves
Patrick wasn’t the only locker room and fan favorite Payton showed the door. Samaje Perine, a veteran hard-nosed runner who can catch the ball, was waived on Tuesday. There were questions all summer about whether or not Perine could withstand the youth movement. The Broncos drafted Audric Estime from Notre Dame in the fifth round with the hopes that he would develop into the third down back they desperately needed. With Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and undrafted Blake Watson all making the roster, there was no room for the veteran Perine.
The Broncos and Payton are walking hand in hand with a younger and hungrier team. But questions remain and the pressure now falls entirely on the visor of Sean Payton.
In With The New
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Pressure is nothing new for Payton. He took over the New Orleans Saints in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina and the rest of the NFL ripped through NOLA in 2005. There was a great deal of tragedy in those days and Payton was given the task of not only rebuilding a team but aiding in the rebuilding of an entire city. Three years later the city of New Orleans was on its way to recovery and the Saints were Super Bowl Champions.
Payton comes to Denver on a similar rebuilding project. This dusty old cow town has weathered too many coaching changes over the past decade and now watches the horizon with caution. It is a town that has seen the Avalanche and Nuggets parade through the streets while the beloved Broncos get blown away by the wind (and the Chiefs). The task for Payton is simple. Return the Broncos to prominence and anchor them in the conversation of Super Bowl contender.
The Denver Broncos Plan
Payton didn’t just remove Wilson; he also let defensive anchor Justin Simmons walk into the sunset. This was a surprise to many but it was all part of the plan. The old guard had not won anything. The old guard could not beat the Chiefs, or the Raiders and barely beat the Chargers. Now it is in with the new.
The last two draft classes have resulted in 11 new players. Ten of the 11 remain on the team and are contributing factors. In addition, the Broncos have kept five of seven undrafted free agents over the last two years.
Payton believes the rookie class has the potential to be one the best. In an interview with the NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund, Payton had this to say: “You just mark my words. Three or four years from now, we’ll look back on this draft class, and it’ll be significant as to what we’re able to accomplish.”
The Denver Broncos are yours, Sean Payton.
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