In his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, Sean Payton continues to instill hope and bring his wealth of experience to the Mile High City.
Comparing Quarterbacks: Brees and Nix
Payton has often found himself drawing comparisons between his former charge, Drew Brees, and Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft. Given his successful tenure with Brees at the helm in New Orleans, it's no surprise Payton looks for similar traits in his current quarterbacks. "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.
Brees' ability to avoid sacks is legendary. Throughout his two-decade career, he was sacked more than 30 times in a season only twice, averaging just 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. This is in stark contrast to Russell Wilson, who was sacked nearly 44 times per season during his initial 12-year career.
Bo Nix's Promise
Payton sees a lot of potential in Nix, especially in terms of awareness and decision-making. "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 observed. These attributes might make Nix an invaluable asset to the Broncos as they seek stability and success under Payton's leadership.
A Season of Challenges
Payton's first year in Denver was far from smooth sailing. Despite the hurdles, Payton's determination and strategic mindset are evident. The comparison between Nix and Brees isn't merely about physical capabilities, but also about mental readiness and maturity. Payton commented, "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."
Broncos Quarterback Competition
While Bo Nix may be a promising future star, the current competition in the Broncos' camp for the starting quarterback spot is heating up. Jarrett Stidham, another contender, is in the mix to take the reins, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the team's preparations.
Anticipation is high in Denver. With Payton's strategic mindset and a roster that has the potential to flourish under his guidance, the Broncos hope to overcome the challenges that marred last season. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how Payton's comparisons and insights will translate on the field, especially with quarterbacks who might just follow in the footsteps of a legend like Drew Brees.