September 14th 2024.
Sean Payton is facing a tough challenge as he takes on the role of coach for the Broncos. He has to let go of his vision for the team and instead, work with the team he has. In their first game against the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos' offense struggled with issues in their line, running back, receivers, and even their coordinator. It was a rough start for the team, and many are wondering if the blame should fall on Payton's shoulders.
One big move that Payton made was cutting quarterback Russell Wilson in March, which resulted in a huge loss of $85 million. This sent a clear message that Wilson was the problem. However, some are questioning if the real issue was the play-calling of the coordinator that Wilson left behind. Looking at last season when Wilson was the starter, the Broncos averaged decent numbers in points, yards, and passing yards per game. But in the three games without Wilson, their numbers dropped significantly. This raises the question, was cutting Wilson really the right decision?
As the Broncos prepare for their upcoming game, Payton needs to show that his decision to let Wilson go was justified. It's no secret that there was tension between them, and Payton's main goal is to have a well-organized and efficient offense, rather than relying on streetball plays that are not sustainable. He is not wrong in his approach, but can he prove that he made the right call?
Looking at Payton's resume, there is no doubt that he has the skills and experience to lead a successful team. But so far, we have yet to see it in action. This situation reminds me of when I covered coach Mike Shanahan, and the debate raged on whether his success was due to the players or his system. He had a great record with star quarterback John Elway and a team filled with talented players, but without them, his playoff record was not as impressive.
This brings us to the question of whether a coach can be a mastermind and still struggle without a star quarterback and a strong team. The three games without Wilson may be a small sample size, but they cannot be ignored. The Broncos have not looked good, and this was evident in their recent losses with backup quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix.
Speaking of Nix, he will likely start again in their upcoming game, as Wilson is still recovering from a lingering calf injury. Although his age and declining skills may have played a role in Payton's decision to cut him, it's now up to Payton to make the pieces fit and prove that he can lead this team to victory. It will require patience, as Nix is still a rookie and needs time to grow and develop. This is something that Payton has not dealt with in his previous 16 seasons as a head coach.
Despite having underwhelming quarterbacks in the past, Payton has found success with his offensive scheme. However, the challenges in Denver are more complex, as he not only has to work with a rookie quarterback, but also lacks strong weapons on offense. This is where Payton's creativity will be put to the test. He is not a coach who sticks to traditional methods, but rather studies trends and analytics to find what works in the league.
One approach that could help boost the offense is incorporating more pre-snap motion. With players struggling to win one-on-one matchups, Payton can use this tactic to create mismatches and confuse the defense. In their first game, the Broncos had a low pre-snap motion rate, and this is an area where they can improve. Even when using heavy personnel, adding some movement behind the line of scrimmage can create more opportunities for Nix.
Payton must also resist the temptation to rely heavily on the passing game. The goal should be to keep Nix's attempts around 30 and focus on running the ball to control the field. This will also help prevent critical turnovers that could cost them the game. In their previous game against Seattle, the offense struggled, but many factors played a role, such as being on the road and the loud atmosphere. However, if they fail to improve in their next game against the Steelers, these excuses will not hold up.
Payton is known for his confidence and ability to make in-game adjustments. This is just the beginning of his journey with the Broncos, and he must show that he can succeed without Wilson by his side. It won't be easy, but with patience, creativity, and a strong game plan, he can lead this team to victory. As they say, actions speak louder than words, and it's time for Payton to back up his decisions and prove that he has what it takes to coach this team to success.
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