As Sean Payton steps into his second season as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, comparisons and reflections from his storied past inevitably follow. A hallmark of Payton's coaching career was his successful partnership with Drew Brees during their time with the New Orleans Saints. The synergy between Payton and Brees led to immense success, and it's that experience Payton now draws upon as he mentors emerging talents like Bo Nix and navigates the challenges of coaching Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham.
Comparing the Uncomparables: Brees and Nix
Bo Nix, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, stands out as a promising talent. Payton's comparison between Drew Brees and Nix stems from observable traits and Nix's extensive collegiate experience, having played 61 college games. "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," Payton remarked. "The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that."
Payton's high regard for Nix is evident as he continues, "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."
A Sack Avoidance Ethic
Statistics support Payton's claims. Russell Wilson, an established quarterback with a robust 12-year career span, was sacked an alarming average of nearly 44 times per season. In contrast, Brees experienced being sacked over 30 times in a single season just twice during his illustrious 20-year career. On average, Brees was sacked 22 times per season over his 19 years as a starter, a testament to his quick decision-making and pocket awareness.
These numbers are not merely incidental but speak volumes about the quarterback's role in managing the game and protecting himself. Payton's philosophy underscores this principle, making his coaching strategies more about enhancing the quarterback's situational awareness than solely focusing on the offensive line.
Challenges and Learning Curves
Payton's first year in Denver was a tumultuous one, marked by adjustments and growing pains as the Broncos struggled to find their footing. Yet, the coach remains undeterred, leveraging his considerable experience to build a more resilient and cohesive team.
As the Broncos prepare for the upcoming season, Jarrett Stidham is also in the mix, vying for the starting quarterback position. Payton's commitment to fostering a competitive environment is clear, as he assesses each quarterback's potential to guide the team effectively.
This ethos of continuous improvement and learning extends to nurturing young talents like Nix. "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 notes.
Looking Ahead
The anticipation surrounding Drew Brees' likely Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2026 serves as a poignant reminder of what a quarterback can achieve under Payton's guidance. With this legacy in mind, Payton remains focused on cultivating the same kind of excellence within the Denver Broncos' ranks.
As the new season approaches, the Broncos are poised to leverage the lessons of the past and the promise of the future. Payton's seasoned perspective and strategic insights are expected to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges ahead, offering a beacon of hope for Broncos fans eager for a resurgence. Through meticulous coaching and targeted development, Payton aims to forge a new era of success, drawing from the storied parallels between past greats like Brees and potential future stars like Nix.