The Payton experience heads to Denver

It is now 17 years later but a reporter still remembers the look.

On a sweltering July day in Jackson, Miss., the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints eyed a reporter walking on the grounds, checking out the setup for the team’s new training camp at Millsaps College.

The look said to the reporter, “You don’t belong here.”

Folks in Denver, get ready for the look.

There will be a honeymoon period, as Sean Payton returns to the NFL but that look, and the intensity that comes with it, will soon return.

In 2006, Payton transformed the Saints quickly, from a three-win team to one that won 10 games and reached the NFC championship.

Payton had the good fortune in New Orleans of having Drew Brees available as an unrestricted free agent in his first offseason at the helm.

In Denver, he will inherit Russell Wilson, who turns 35 in November and has played in two Super Bowls with one ring.
Still, Payton will have a higher hill to climb in Denver.

In New Orleans, their second overall pick in the 2006 draft was running back Reggie Bush, a true difference maker.

In Denver, the Broncos’ fifth overall selection in the 2023 draft now belongs to Seattle because of the trade for Wilson.

Payton is now in a division with Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs and Justin Herbert of the Chargers. Any playoff road could include trips to Buffalo and Josh Allen and/or the Bengals and Joe Burrow.

So, Payton is betting on himself. He believes, and justifiable so, that he can eliminate most if not all of the time management issues that plagued the Broncos this season.

Payton also believes he can hire one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL and coax unrestricted free agents to come join him in Denver.

The 59-year old also believes in his ability to draft and evaluate talent.

Payton has an ego that you might say is as big as all outdoor Colorado, and that isn’t a negative. He doesn’t lack for self-confidence. One of the best fan bases in the NFL will eat that up.

Over the last six seasons, the Broncos have won 36 games. Wilson was supposed to be the magic elixir but Denver went 5-12.

The Broncos can kiss that sort of mediocrity goodbye.

Payton will challenge his players, coaches and reporters alike.

Denver media, get ready for those four minute conference calls on Wednesday and Thursday. If you don’t have your questions ready, after a few seconds, you will hear…click.

Sean Payton will be gone.

It will be ‘Sunday Sean’ seven days a week.

To say that it will be most interesting to watch is a gross understatement.