Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton spoke with The Athletic‘s Dianna Russini and Chase Daniel last week for a new episode of their “Scoop City” podcast.
Daniel is a former NFL quarterback who was a backup with the New Orleans Saints from 2009-2012 and in 2017, so he has an existing relationship with Payton. Thanks to that relationship, Daniel is granted access that isn’t typically given to members of the media.
Daniel sat in on a team meeting last Thursday before the team’s joint practice with the Green Bay Packers and he also sat in on a quarterback meeting. One of Daniel’s takeaways from those meetings is that quarterbacks coach Davis Webb will become an NFL head coach in the future.
You can watch the full podcast episode below, with the Payton interview beginning at the 17:10 mark:
A few notes:
- Payton told a story he has told many times about how he liked that quarterback Bo Nix only had football items in his backpack at his pro day. Nix threw 82 passes at his pro day and 81 were “exactly on the right [correct] shoulder.” After watching 16 throws, Payton told general manager George Paton, “This is the guy.” Payton likes Nix’s ability to play in a “dirty pocket” and make off-schedule throws. Philip Rivers worked with Nix this spring and gave him a positive review to Payton.
- Payton had Paton call the New York Jets when they were on the clock with pick No. 11 to stall and find out if anyone was attempting to trade up above Denver for Nix. Paton also called the Las Vegas Raiders at pick No. 13 to ask if they wanted to move up to gauge if they were targeting a quarterback.
- Payton spoke highly about third-string QB Zach Wilson and told him, “My job is to make you millions, either with us or another team.”
- Two weeks ago, Payton had the team’s three QBs give him their favorite plays from previous stops and they put them in the offense. He’s keeping tack of which play performs the best. Payton’s offense is evolving over time and he’s not locked into his 2006 playbook.
- Payton is excited about the additions of defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach and he’s pleased with how defensive line is playing this summer. Payton described the Broncos as “young and hungry.” He said the two great allies of a young quarterback are a good defense and strong running game, and he believes Denver will have both in 2024.
- Payton told the story of how he got a Michael Jordan shoe sponsorship from the former NBA star.
Payton is entering his second year with the Broncos after going 8-9 last fall. His all-time head coach record is 160-98. He won seven division titles and one Super Bowl with the Saints before landing in Denver last year.
