As Sean Payton embarks on his second season at the helm of the Denver Broncos, all eyes are on him to see if he can translate the success he achieved with Drew Brees at the New Orleans Saints into the mile-high city. Payton's tenure with the Broncos began on a challenging note, a stark contrast to the triumphs he celebrated with Brees, but there are high hopes for a turnaround.
One of the intriguing narratives surrounding Payton's coaching strategy this season is his comparison between Drew Brees and Bo Nix. Payton has often drawn parallels, noting, "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." This observation underscores Payton’s belief in the quarterback's role in managing pressure and avoiding sacks, a trait he believes Nix possesses.
Drew Brees and Bo Nix's sack statistics offer a fascinating glimpse into this comparison. Over his illustrious 20-year career, Brees was sacked more than 30 times in a single season only twice, averaging 22 sacks per season during his 19 years as a starter. In stark contrast, Russell Wilson, currently facing fierce competition with Jarrett Stidham for the Broncos' starting job, was sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season during his initial 12-year career span. These starkly different numbers highlight the importance of quick decision-making and pocket awareness, qualities Payton sees in Nix.
Payton’s confidence in Nix isn’t unfounded. Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, brings a wealth of experience with him, having played 61 college games. Payton elaborates, "You see pretty good pocket sense. [Nix] 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." Such attributes not only show promise but also echo the type of maturity and situational awareness necessary for a successful professional career.
The comparison deepens when Payton reflects on the ambitions and mindset of both quarterbacks. "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." This insight reveals the psychological and experiential parallels Payton sees between Brees and Nix, suggesting that the latter might be primed for a fruitful career under Payton’s guidance.
One cannot ignore the enormous success Sean Payton and Drew Brees enjoyed together in New Orleans. Their partnership redefined the franchise, culminating in numerous playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory. With Brees anticipated to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, their legacy is firmly cemented in the annals of NFL history. The question remains: Can Payton replicate a similar success story in Denver with Nix or Wilson?
As the Broncos gear up for another season, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the quarterback position. Jarrett Stidham, currently competing vigorously for the starting job, adds another layer of intrigue. Payton's assessment and development of his quarterbacks will be pivotal in determining the Broncos' fortunes.
Ultimately, Sean Payton’s tenure in Denver may well hinge on his ability to craft a cohesive and high-performing unit, akin to the collaborative magic he shared with Drew Brees. With Bo Nix showing the kind of promise and attributes Payton admires, the Broncos’ future could be on an upward trajectory under his seasoned leadership.