The Denver Broncos got off to one of the worst starts in franchise history in 2023 in head coach Sean Payton’s first season. Despite the slow start, they still found themselves in contention for a playoff spot, ultimately getting knocked out of the running late. In 2024, Payton’s emphasis is getting off to a fast start and playing well early on.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton eager for faster start in 2024
Going 1-5 summarized the disastrous start for the Denver Broncos last season, especially for Payton in his first year with a new organization. Part of that troubling start saw the Broncos get embarrassed 70-20 by the Miami Dolphins in Week 3, up and downs with Russell Wilson and more. However, Denver went on a run at the end of the season, finishing 7-4 in the final stretch but still ending up 8-9 on the year and out of the playoffs. Payton wants to avoid that slow start in 2024.
“I’m never one to make predictions at the start of the season,” Payton said last week. “I think it’s about playing well early. I talked about that. What does that mean? We can’t get off to the start we did a year ago and dig ourselves in a hole. I think that’s important. I think the leadership is ever evolving because there’s been a number of former leaders and former captains that were here that aren’t. So it’s a process. I never in a team meeting talk about what our record should be. I discuss things like the division. I discuss things like the playoffs and what it takes. I discuss things like the opponents.”
This new-look Broncos team isn’t rebuilding if you ask players, but they’re entirely different than they were last year.
“I’m excited,” Payton said. “I’m excited to see how we stack up. Throughout the preseason, you’ve got different combinations of teams playing, players and there’s a lot going on. I am pleased with the energy and some of the things you guys can see just from the eye.”
The youth movement has been on display with the moves they’ve made, rookie quarterback Bo Nix taking the lead and starting at quarterback. Even if oddsmakers have them written off, the nucleus of this locker room isn’t concerned with the outside noise.
Various players Mile High Sports have spoken to have expressed excitement about the direction the team is heading. There’s a platform for new leaders to emerge, and the locker room is all bought in on the quarterback, which wasn’t necessarily the case in Payton’s first season in Denver.
