Coming off of a year in which the Broncos defensive line was overpowered for much of the season, physicality is going to be of emphasis for the team in 2024. Coach Payton said as much numerous times during his presser on Wednesday. To shore up the defense, the Broncos added John Franklin-Myers during a draft day trade. They also went to back to Payton’s well in New Orleans for Malcolm Roach to add to the middle of the line. Selecting Jonah Elliss in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft rounded out what could be a big turn around for a defense that gave up too much in the run game, headlined by the 70 points Miami laid on the Broncos, the majority of the damage coming from the run.
Sean Payton has had a renewed intensity going into his second year in Denver. He has a clear vision for how he wants his team built and it started with physicality in mind. Payton can now begin to build in his image after being given the keys to an old clunker. He is also aware that his legacy going forward rests on his two draft classes and how the development plays out starting this year.
The media and local fans have created a buzz before players have hit the field for their first preseason game, but one thing is for sure, preparation and physicality won’t be missing come Sunday in Indianapolis. It has been noted that Payton got the most out of Russell Wilson after inheriting the aging QB. Though, nothing from 2023 aside from the draft can be attributed to a Sean Payton vision. The coach could not run the offense he was accustomed to, after Wilson reportedly failed to carry out the play intended and instead changed to a call that suited him at the line. From here forward, the onus is on Payton to put a team on the field that will shape his legacy in Denver.
Broncos Country should be excited (yet realistic) about the upcoming season. Sean Payton has always kept legacy in mind, and knows what is at stake with his second act. He also knows how to build a team and have them ready to play. The youth movement that fans and media have asked for has arrived. Payton is the perfect coach to kick start a rebuild and keep the ship afloat. It’s just about time to put the teaching to work and it all starts this Sunday in Indianapolis.
