In an interview with CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionas head coach Sean Payton talks how he will attack OTAs and more.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite some second rate analysis calling Sean Payton’s hire one of the worst moves of the offseason. Many, MANY more see what the veteran coach will bring can only be a boon the franchise. Sean Payton has always been viewed as one of, if not the top offensive minds of his generation. He was the original “young offensive wizard” before Sean McVay was able to catch two footballs in college.
But Payton’s offensive mind is not his only asset that made him so successful in New Orleans. While many in the media want to concentrate on the end of the interview with Amanda where he talks about how there will be a new tone in Dove Valley. I’m going to instead start where you should, at the beginning. The first real football question by Amanda was a little before the 1:45 mark in the video below. She asks how “weird” it was after his entire career up to this point was spent in the NFC, and how that compares to now being in the AFC. After a thoughtful response and some obvious conversation that didn’t make the final edit Coach Payton simply said. “All this talk about work has me worried the Chiefs are out doing something today and we are here playing golf over margaritas”.
That, ladies and gentleman, is the feature. This should have been the headline for every publication. “Coach Payton Never Rests”, instead we have reporters talking about being left in the gutter when voluntary OTA’s started this week. This one sentence encapsulates greatness about as succinctly as possible, never rest. Payton has zero quit, and any successful person will tell you it is an essential trait for greatness. No matter how good you are, there is always another level to reach. And there is always a little voice in the back of your mind telling you how when you are not doing something, your competition is. It’s how you fuel a fire like Payton’s that has burnt so hot for more than three decades in pro-football as first a player low on the roster to a coach from the famed Bill Parcells coaching tree.
While many believe the ending football statement before Sean and Amanda reverted to golf and margaritas as the most important where coach said. “Our first team meeting is going to be right after Easter weekend, and it’s probably going to be, I don’t want to say no nonsense, but here are the things that are going to help us win,” Payton said. “That’s kind of where we’re at a little bit. This offseason for us needs to be difficult.”
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile I agree a little tough love and time away from prying eyes is warranted for Payton and company. This is not the message Sean is going to convey to his players. He is going to reassert that the moments you take to make that post, or do that advert is time your competition could be using for grinding out something new and innovative. Or spent to hone a skill that you didn’t. It’s a sense of urgency and rejection of failure that will permeate the halls of Dove Valley. Sean Payton is not the drill sergeant so many want to paint him out to be. He’s no Major Payne asking for people to be let to “grow up and be a man”. He’s no Officer Doofy either who will be ogling his starting QB’s wife.
Sean Payton is simply an adult, a no-nonsense, fun-loving, old school football coach. He’s not a tyrant or a messiah. He’s simply a competent and grown human who knows what’s needed to win at the highest level and will not accept anything less. The whole “new tone” is a severely overused trope by the uncreative. Every new head coach inherently brings with them a “new tone” for better or worse. It’s what they call in this industry a “word crutch”. Low hanging fruit for those who can’t be bothered to try.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut Coach Payton’s offseason strategy guide for the Denver Broncos is anything but low hanging fruit. It’s a comprehensive plan that will challenge the players both mentally and physically, forcing them to push their boundaries and reach new heights.
The guide focuses on three key areas: strength and conditioning, team building, and playbook implementation. In the strength and conditioning portion, Payton emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and a strict workout regimen to build strength, endurance, and agility.
Next, the team building segment encourages players to build trust and chemistry with each other through team outings, bonding exercises, and group activities. The idea is to create a tight-knit unit that can rely on each other both on and off the field.
Lastly, the playbook implementation is where it all comes together. Coach Payton will work closely with offensive and defensive coordinators Joe Lombardi and Vance Joseph to fine-tune the playbook and ensure each player is comfortable with their role and responsibilities.
While it may seem like a simple guide, Coach Payton’s offseason strategy is precisely what the Broncos need to take their game to the next level. With his leadership and guidance, this team will be contenders come next season.
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