Sean Payton thought he was walking into a good situation in Denver as the team sported a successful quarterback who simply needed the proper guidance to rejuvenate his career.
However, Russell Wilson is gone, and Payton now looks to pick up the pieces and build a winner like the one he constructed for many years in New Orleans.
And while the task is daunting, Payton is known as a leader of men who inspires respect and gets the maximum effort from his charges.
One Bronco recently noted the veteran head coach’s effect on his play.
Four-year veteran P.J. Locke had much to say about Payton, who rewarded his hard work with the first eight starts of his career in 2023.
NFL expert Zac Stevens noted that Locke gushed about his head coach, saying, “He just gave me some confidence that he has confidence in me. That goes a long way with me.”
“He just gave me some confidence that he has confidence in me. That goes a long way with me. When a coach has confidence in me, it’s gives me a boost of energy and confidence in myself. When I play confident, I’m dangerous”
— P.J. Locke on Sean Paytonhttps://t.co/mbptdqGNwj
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 22, 2024
Locke explained further that Payton’s support provided a “boost of energy and confidence,” which translates to being a more dangerous player on the field.
The coach’s first season produced an 8-9 record, a remarkable improvement over 2022’s 5-12 finish.
The team started slow at 1-5 but then reeled off five consecutive victories to climb into playoff contention before fading down the stretch.
This was followed by Wilson’s release and his subsequent signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The AFC West, already home to the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, appears to be on the upswing, with significant changes taking place in Las Vegas and with the Chargers.
Payton clearly has the support he needs in Denver, though returning to the playoffs may be difficult.
