Sean Payton, a seasoned coach with a knack for drawing insightful parallels, is gearing up for his second season with the Denver Broncos. As he prepares his team for the grueling NFL schedule, Payton has been reflecting on his successful stint with Drew Brees during their time with the New Orleans Saints. This reflective nature has led him to make some intriguing comparisons between Brees and Bo Nix, the talented young quarterback who was the 12th overall pick in April's draft.
Payton's praise for Nix is evident as he frequently mentions similarities between the Auburn standout and the future Hall of Famer. "I used to say this all the time: The sack numbers are a reflection more on the quarterback than the offensive line. Brees was one of those guys, he was a tough sack. The ball came out, and I think Bo has traits like that," Payton noted. This comparison underscores Payton's belief in Nix's ability to quickly release the football, a hallmark of Brees's illustrious career.
Diving deeper into the statistics, Drew Brees's career numbers indeed paint a picture of extraordinary pocket awareness. Over his 19 years as a starter, Brees was sacked an average of just 22 times per season. Remarkably, he only endured more than 30 sacks in a single season twice during his 20-year career. These numbers stand in stark contrast to Russell Wilson's initial 12-year career span, where he was sacked an average of nearly 44 times per season. For Payton, these statistics are more than just numbers—they highlight the importance of a quarterback's awareness and decision-making under pressure.
"You see pretty good pocket sense. Doesn't take a lot of sacks. I think when he knows when the play's over, time to go, and then, I think he can make plays when he's going," Payton emphasized when discussing Nix. This ability to recognize when to persist and when to escape the pocket could be crucial for Nix as he transitions to the professional level.
Nix's collegiate experience cannot be understated as well. Having played 61 college games, Nix brings a level of maturity and understanding that Payton finds reminiscent of Brees's early days. "All right, we're looking for similarities. I would say mentally, [Nix] wants to know as much and as fast as he can. I think there's maybe a maturity level because, again, [Nix] played 61 games [in college] and when [the Saints] got Drew, it was off of his rookie contract and coming off an injury," said Payton.
Despite the optimism surrounding the young Nix, Payton's first season in Denver was anything but smooth. The Broncos faced numerous challenges as the team attempted to adjust to Payton's system and philosophies. Yet, with a new season ahead, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and readiness to learn from past missteps.
The road ahead for the Broncos also includes a heated competition for the starting quarterback role, with Jarrett Stidham vying to position himself as a formidable contender. This competitive spirit within the roster could serve to push all players to elevate their game, a necessity in the ever-competitive landscape of professional football.
In reflecting on both Brees's likely induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026 and the potential of new talents like Nix, Payton finds himself at a crossroads of legacy and future promise. His hands-on experience with a quarterback of Brees's caliber provides him with a unique perspective as he mentors emerging talents in the league.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Sean Payton's insights and strategies translate into on-field performance for the Denver Broncos. Both seasoned veterans and fresh faces will look to him for guidance, hoping to capture even a fraction of the success he enjoyed with Brees. If Payton's comparisons hold true, Bo Nix could very well be on his way to becoming a household name, much like the legendary quarterback who came before him.