If you were to ask head coach Sean Payton what success would look like for the Denver Broncos during the 2024 preseason, he might say efficiency, taking care of the football, prolonging drives, and eventually finding the endzone. Many of these points were sore spots in a 2023 season littered with irritation. Russell Wilson was sacked 45 times in 2023, fourth most in the NFL. Mark Schlereth is on record on his morning show on Denver Sports Radio stating sacks are more on the quarterback than the offensive line, attributing around 75% to Wilson. We saw more of this on Saturday in the Steelers’ game with the Buffalo Bills. Wilson was sacked three times in his first action this preseason, completing 8/10 passes for 47 yards. Payton’s projected starter in 2024 has yet to take a sack in 30 drop backs for the Broncos.
Sean Payton has not shied away from stating his feelings on his offense taking negative plays. Broncos Country is all too aware that sacks and turnovers are the easiest way to set off the head coach. Payton had this in mind when searching for a quarterback during this year’s NFL draft. The Denver front office met with the top six quarterbacks in this years draft, as well as Michael Pratt and Spencer Rattler. All of the metrics they were looking for led them to one rookie. They had that rookie throw for the group from the front office and came away impressed after just 16 throws. After this meeting, Payton knew Bo Nix had what it takes to lead an NFL franchise.
During minicamps and throughout this year’s training camp, the coaching staff emphasized efficiency and turnover free football. Nix reportedly had one interception through 18 days of camp and got the ball out fast while limiting unofficial sacks in practice. Through two games, Nix has thrown 30 passes with 23 completions for 205 yards and two touchdowns. The big stats here are zero sacks and zero turnovers. Payton has to be thrilled with the work all of his quarterbacks put in this offseason. Through two preseason games, it’s obvious to most fans and media in Denver that Nix will be the week one starter in Seattle.
After the Christmas Day loss to the New England Patriots, it was obvious Sean Payton was ready to turn the page in 2024. The Broncos missed the playoffs for the eighth straight season and the aging Russell Wilson was released, signing a one year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. The Steelers visit the Broncos for a week two matchup in Denver, one that has already been circled on the calendars in the Broncos’ headquarters. Now that it is apparent which direction the Broncos will be taking into week one, it’s all about preparation for the real thing.
