In a surprising turn of events during Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football broadcast, Drew Brees revealed his plans to open a pickleball facility, causing many viewers to pause and think, “huh, that’s interesting.”
The Denver Broncos’ commanding 33-10 win over the New Orleans Saints quickly became a background game, overshadowed by Brees joining Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit in the booth during the third quarter. As fans endured a tough-to-watch game at the Superdome, they were treated to stories from Sean Payton’s early days in New Orleans and Michaels’ commentary on Bo Nix’s impressive plays.
Despite the lackluster performance from Payton’s former team, the Saints, who are currently on a five-game losing streak and struggling to find their footing, the Broncos showcased their dominance on the field. Nix, the rookie quarterback for Denver, had flashes of brilliance but also moments of struggle, particularly with accuracy and decision making.
Reflecting on Payton’s successful first season with the Saints in 2006, where they finished 10-6 and won the NFC South, it becomes evident that the Broncos are a work in progress under his leadership. While Nix shows promise as a dual-threat quarterback, his development as a passer is still a work in progress.
Nix’s college success as an accurate passer has yet to fully translate to the NFL level, as he continues to adjust to the speed and physicality of the game. Despite his struggles in the passing game, Nix demonstrated his prowess as a runner, racking up 75 rushing yards on 10 carries against the Saints.
As the Broncos navigate through Year 2 of the Payton era, they face challenges and opportunities for growth. Without a future Hall of Famer like Brees at the helm, the team must rely on Nix’s development and the collective effort to progress towards their goals. The journey may be arduous, but the potential for success is within reach for the Broncos under Payton’s guidance.
