Sean Payton’s arrival in Denver back in 2023 was no coincidence. The Broncos were clearly seeking a major shift in direction — specifically, a cultural overhaul within the organization’s structure and approach. The veteran head coach was brought in as the driving force behind that change, and he’s been steadily working toward making it a reality ever since.
Will the on-field results follow as the HC embarks on this new challenge starting in Week 1? That remains to be seen. However, the former Saints coach believes the groundwork has been laid the right way — and that success is well within reach.
In a recent conversation with the media during Back Together Weekend, Payton spoke about the slow, methodical process the franchise has been undergoing since last NFL season — emphasizing that finding the right pieces and building chemistry is what ultimately leads to results.
“Sometimes it takes a year, but it’s gonna happen,” he said. “That’s finding players that love playing, finding smart players and then putting them in those positions to have success. And I think it flipped last year. I can’t tell you what part of the season, but credit to last year’s team. It changed and it wasn’t just the postseason.
Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.
“I think that stretch out east after we started the season 0-2 was real important. We had a Tampa Bay win on the road, a Jet win on the road. I think that stretch, bouncing back, led to where we’re at right now. Once you taste that, you like and want more of it. And you don’t want the other stuff, and then you add a few key pieces that have been in those positions. I like it.”
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A new challenge ahead
Part of the ongoing rebuild — and the optimism surrounding it — comes through key additions. One of the most notable acquisitions has been Evan Engram, and the former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end has already shared his thoughts on this new chapter in his career.
“That’s probably my favorite thing about being a Bronco right now,” Engram said to the press on Friday. “Just the way that this team connects, the way they push each other, the way they challenge each other, the way that we’ve bonded, the standard that we have for ourselves, just the camaraderie we have, the laughs that we have. It’s an incredible locker room, a lot of great leaders.
“I tell people, all my family, it’s hard to be the first one in the building. I’m used to being the first one in Jacksonville. I was always the first one, it was really easy, and here it’s kind of tough. A lot of guys doing it at the highest level. It’s just a contagious environment. We all want to get better and we all have high standards that we all want to achieve together.”
Evan Engram #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms ups prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field on August 17, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Broncos’ early challenges next season
With hopes of becoming a serious contender in the AFC West, these will be the first challenges Sean Payton’s team will have to face. The Broncos haven’t reached the playoffs since 2015 — could this be the year they finally break that streak?
- vs Tennessee Titans, September 7th
- @ Indianapolis Colts, September 14th
- @ Los Angeles Chargers, September 21st
- vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 29th
- @ Philadelphia Eagles, October 5th
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