January 5th 2025.
The Denver Broncos were in dire need of a major change in leadership, and team owner Greg Penner knew it. It had been two years since Penner made the tough decision to fire Nathaniel Hackett, prompted by a series of on-field incidents that showed a lack of discipline and direction within the team.
But now, as the Broncos stand on the brink of their first playoff appearance since 2015, there are lingering questions about Penner's choice to hire Sean Payton as the new head coach. While Payton has undeniably brought a new culture and sense of accountability to the team, doubts remain about his mindset and decision-making abilities.
Of course, the Broncos have seen success this season. They set a single-season sack record, have a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain II, and a quarterback in Bo Nix who has shown up in critical moments. But what about their coach? Payton deserves credit for getting the team this far, but is he still the mismatched leader he was at the beginning of the season?
Back then, he was able to rally a team of young players and castoffs, instilling in them the belief that they could exceed expectations. He was the guiding voice in their heads, the unquestioned compass. But now, is it fair to ask for more from him? Absolutely.
Payton's decision-making has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with some questioning his consistency and aggressiveness. Against the Chargers, he remained overly aggressive before halftime, resulting in a costly penalty and three points for the opposing team. And then, in a crucial game against the Bengals, he chose not to go for a two-point conversion that could have won the game in regulation. While analytics supported either choice, it was surprising coming from a coach known for his bold decisions.
In his defense, Payton is in a tough spot this season. He has never coached a rookie quarterback and has an offense that lacks playmakers and a reliable run game. This has led him to rely heavily on Nix, sometimes to the detriment of the team. But despite these challenges, Payton needs to figure out who he is as a coach and settle into his role. The Broncos cannot afford for him to run hot and cold.
Payton's success as a coach has been evident when he is in his element, designing effective passing plays and even influencing officials. But when he is not at his best, the Broncos struggle to beat top teams. He was brought in to give the team a fresh start, and he has done that. Now, he needs to find the right balance in his decision-making to lead the team to victory.
The Broncos' fate now rests on their game against the Chiefs. Payton has one more chance to show that he understands the unique challenges of this team and can lead them to a significant victory. And as fans anxiously await the outcome, one thing is for sure: the Broncos will need Payton at his best to secure a playoff spot.
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