Sean Payton: Last year was tough, but this year we’re much closer

Broncos head coach Sean Payton says his rebuilding efforts in Denver have taken a big step forward this season.

Payton said when he compares where the Broncos are this year, now that they’ve made the playoffs, they’re in much better shape than they were in his first season in 2023.

“We’re a lot closer than we were this time last year. It was misery and sadness and drudgery – give me some other adjectives – just, it was brutal. Let’s just say it.”

The biggest difference with the Broncos this year is that they have quarterback Bo Nix, who had a strong rookie season. Last year they were in the midst of recovering from the disaster of trading for Russell Wilson and giving him a huge new contract. With the right quarterback, Payton can do big things in Denver.