Sean Payton doesn’t do small victories. That’s been clear since he took over the Broncos. He has led the team in ending its agonizing playoff drought since 2015. Now Payton has his sights set even higher. And his latest message to the young, playoff-untested Broncos is a testament to that.
The Broncos head coach made his demands clear. In his press conference on Friday, Payton said, “The most important thing. Get on to the next play.” Before facing the Bills in the Wild Card round, he added, “In other words, don’t let one play fester. Get on to the next play and recalibrate and have the mental fortitude to handle the noise.” Payton knows mental toughness will be crucial with a squad loaded with rookies. And that includes quarterback Bo Nix.
Payton highlighted the camaraderie that has fueled the team’s turnaround. “This is a close-knit team,” he emphasized. “That’s built through these moments and experiences and respect for each other. It’s built because there’s been a journey. It hasn’t been easy. It’s built week by week.” He’s hammered home the idea of playing for one another, urging his team to focus on execution, not pressure.
The Broncos shocked the league by finishing 10-7 this season. They’ve silenced critics and built momentum after preseason doubters labeled them one of the NFL’s worst rosters. Highmark Stadium will be a cauldron of Bills Mafia energy on game day. But Sean Payton is leaning into the challenge. His strategy?
Go big or go home. Payton recounted a past playoff moment. “We’re going to throw caution into the wind, and there’s risk with this, but we’re going to outscore them,” he said. This bold mindset sets the tone for a team eager to prove itself on the NFL’s biggest stage.
Record-breaking year highlights team’s potential
The Broncos’ breakout year didn’t just end their playoff drought, it also earned them five All-Pro selections. And this is their most in 29 years since 1996. Cornerback Pat Surtain II, right guard Quinn Meinerz, and punt returner Marvin Mims Jr. claimed first-team honors. While defensive lineman Zach Allen and linebacker Nik Bonitto secured second-team nods.
Surtain is named a first-team All-Pro for the second time. And he exemplified elite play. He led all NFL cornerbacks in coverage metrics. Only Hall of Famer Champ Bailey achieved more All-Pro nods in Broncos history. Meinerz has been a cornerstone of the offensive line. And he allowed just one sack all season. On the other hand, Mims is a second-year standout.
He dazzled with league-leading punt return stats. Mims’s performance earned him comparisons to Broncos legend Rick Upchurch. To put things into context, Upchurch was the last Denver returner to achieve first-team All-Pro status in 1982. Sean Payton credits these accolades to a team-first culture. “When you start playing for each other, then you got something. Not wanting to let your teammate down,” the Broncos HC noted. This blend of individual excellence and teamwork sets the Broncos apart heading into Sunday’s clash.
Now, Denver faces a banged-up but determined Bills squad. Payton’s approach remains steady while the stakes are high. A rejuvenated franchise, an experienced coach, and a record-breaking roster. The Broncos are poised to make noise this postseason with all components in line. And whether they can continue their Cinderella story against Buffalo is a question Payton and his young squad are eager to answer.
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