Peyton Manning Backs Sean Payton to Elevate Broncos
DENVER, CO - JUNE 1: Sean Payton and Peyton Manning during Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets on June 1, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
In Denver, Peyton Manning is aware of what it takes to succeed. Despite spending most of his legendary NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, his four-year stint with the Denver Broncos (2012-2015) made him one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.
The Broncos made four consecutive playoff appearances and two Super Bowls, and Manning’s career culminated in a victory in Super Bowl 50. After nearly a decade, the Broncos are finally showing signs of resurgence. After finishing 10-7 and making their first playoff appearance since Manning’s farewell campaign, Denver aims to build on that success.
Bo Nix, who impressed in his rookie season, is crucial to the team’s future. Manning, who has won five MVP awards, thinks that to reach an elite level, the team needs more than Nix’s development.
“I don’t know,” Manning said in a recent interview with RG when asked what the Broncos need to reach championship contention. “I think Sean Payton knows exactly what they need, and I think he and general manager George Paton will go and get it this offseason in the draft.”
Manning’s confidence in Payton speaks volumes. The veteran head coach, known for his offensive talent, has already made Denver a more competitive team. One crucial issue remains: Nix requires more weapons during the passing game. While the Broncos have a solid No. 1 receiver in Courtland Sutton, the wide receiver and tight end depth is a concern. The team’s second-highest receiver was running back Javonte Williams, who had 52 catches, while rookie wideout Marvin Mims was the top receiver with just 503 yards outside Sutton.
Denver needs to add another dynamic pass-catcher in free agency or the draft to take their game to the next level. Manning has experienced the process of building a championship-caliber offense, and with his endorsement of Payton and Paton’s leadership, the Broncos appear to be on the right path. Denver has real optimism for the first time in years, but it’s hard to tell if they can acquire the right pieces to complement Nix and take the next step.
