Broncos’ QB Future Looks Bright, Payton Expresses Confidence

Broncos’ QB Future Looks Bright, Payton Expresses Confidence

 

January 23 – Sean Payton describes the post-season adjustment period as “re-entry,” a transition from the intense demands of the NFL season back to everyday life. This transition began this week for the Denver Broncos’ head coach following their 31-7 defeat against the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

 

 

 

“It’s always a challenge,” Payton acknowledged on Wednesday. “There’s something about preparing each week, especially in the postseason, that’s hard to step away from.” Over the next two and a half weeks, Payton and his coaching staff will conduct a thorough assessment of the team, an essential step before shifting their focus to free agency and planning for the next season.

 

 

 

 

This offseason will be different for the Broncos compared to previous years. The team is no longer facing uncertainty at the quarterback position. Payton now feels confident that Denver has found their long-term solution. Last March, the team made the tough choice to part ways with Russell Wilson, absorbing an $85 million salary cap hit, and selecting Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

 

 

 

 

Nix started all 17 games in his rookie season, rebounding from an 0-2 start to guide Denver to a 10-7 record and a playoff spot. He posted a 66.3% completion rate, throwing for 3,775 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Payton believes Nix has proven himself as the franchise quarterback Denver has been searching for since his tenure with Drew Brees in New Orleans.

 

 

 

“We saw a lot of promising signs,” Payton said of Nix’s debut season. “His mobility, smart decision-making, and accuracy stood out. He’s tough to bring down, which is a crucial quality in this league.

 

 

 

While Payton pointed out areas that need improvement, such as third-down efficiency and handling defensive pressure, he remains confident in Nix’s growth potential. “He’s incredibly dedicated, spending a lot of time at the facility, and I believe he has a bright future ahead. We have the right leader for our team.

 

 

 

 

 

The Broncos concluded the season third in the AFC West, securing the seventh seed in the playoffs. Their matchup with the second-seeded Bills was closely contested until the third quarter when Buffalo pulled away.

 

 

 

Watching teams like Buffalo, Kansas City, Baltimore, and Houston compete for a Super Bowl appearance, Payton feels Denver is making strides in narrowing the gap with the AFC’s elite teams.

 

 

 

 

“Up until the second half, I didn’t feel there was a significant difference between us and them,” Payton stated. “We believed in our chances but didn’t execute when it mattered. In this league, small details and a few key plays can determine the outcome.

 

 

 

 

Looking forward, Payton stressed the importance of concentrating on divisional rivals and maintaining confidence within the team. “We’re not looking back; our focus is on the future,” he said. “Had we advanced past Buffalo, we were optimistic about our chances in the next round.”