It’s week 16 of the 2024 season. In the ultra-competitive AFC West league, the Broncos have maintained the 2nd position with 9 wins and 5 losses. Even in the conference, they are among the wild card teams, in 6th place. Though there was criticism of their rookie Bo Nix about his performance, HC Sean Payton set the record straight.

A photo of Payton, breaking the hearts of many Fantasy Football Managers, appeared on X. It showed him holding a play sheet that had ‘run it’ written on top. That shows their game plan for the week 16 game against the Chargers. With their WR Courtland Sutton ready and fit to play, there is a high chance of him playing in the upcoming matchup.

Sean Payton would be looking forward to the receiver repeating his magic. He started in 11 of 14 games this season, recording 66 receptions with 878 yards and 6 touchdowns. It’s a crucial time for them as they would like to stay in the wild card slots. And only 3 games are remaining.

The legendary coach would also like them to qualify for the playoffs. They failed to do it last year as they were 3rd with an 8-9 win-loss record. This situation is better this year. Overall, he has a 17-14 record at the Broncos. Amid this, the role of their quarterback, Bo Nix, becomes very important.

He has been their leader. And he seems to adjust to the pressure very well. The head coach is impressed with his determination.

Sean Payton praised Bo Nix

After 4 decades since John Elway, the Broncos trusted a rookie to handle their quarterback duties. And he has been fine. Even the coach was happy and said, “He’s played a lot of games. He knows how to win. He made some big throws for us there that we needed.” That’s right. Sean Payton must be feeling satisfied.

In 14 games as a starting quarterback, he has a 9-5 record with 297 of 467 (63.6% completion rate) in 3,972 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Even in the rushing game, he has 75 attempts in 327 yards for 4 touchdowns. That’s a good show for someone playing in his first year. But they need to play with their full force in the playoffs. Teams would be closely watching his tape, trying to find the gaps.

It has been a story of working quietly. However, the high-pressure stage is coming up. 9 years have passed since the Broncos last qualified for the playoffs. This year looks solid. Everything rests on the shoulders of the young quarterback.