The Marshal’s Enigma: Sean Payton and the Quest for the Perfect Quarterback
In a March afternoon of 2024, Sean Payton, 60 years old and in his eighteenth year as head coach, faces a crucial decision: selecting the quarterback who will define the future of the Denver Broncos. With 27 seasons in the NFL, Payton, recognized as a brilliant offensive mind, seeks more than just a quarterback; he yearns for a leader who will build a franchise, a “franchise guy” like John Elway.
The task is not easy. Payton, after analyzing the performance of several prospects, developed a methodology to evaluate the processing speed of quarterbacks, the ability to react in fractions of a second under pressure. His approach focuses on errors, analyzing the rates of sacks and turnovers, indicators of a possible slowness in decision-making.
“If a quarterback is frequently sacked in college, something can be improved,” Payton says. “But it generally means the processing is a little slow.”
Sean Payton
In 2017, Payton, then with the Saints, believed he had found Drew Brees’ successor in Patrick Mahomes, from Texas Tech. He analyzed Mahomes’ performance, considering his rate of negative plays (sacks, fumbles, and interceptions) in relation to his pass attempts. The result was encouraging, but the story took an unexpected turn when the Chiefs traded up to select Mahomes, a move that would transform Andy Reid and change the fate of the franchise.In 2024, with the twelfth selection in the draft, Payton applied his formula to Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, although he knew that both would be selected before the Broncos. However, the quarterback who really captivated Payton was Bo Nix, from Oregon, a player with an exceptional college record and a remarkable ability to assimilate information. Nix, with an average of negative plays even better than Mahomes’ at the time, demonstrated a potential that excited Payton.
Payton, confident in his plan and in Nix’s ability, prepares to face criticism for his choice. However, his focus is on the future, on developing a quarterback who can lead the Broncos for years. Seven months later, in January 2025, while other quarterbacks prepare for the playoffs, Nix and the Broncos face the Bills.
In the pre-game, Payton reviews his game plan and Nix’s favorite plays, seeking the perfect synergy. Nix’s learning process continues, adapting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. The outcome of the game was not as expected, but Payton maintains confidence in his choice, believing he has found the quarterback who will lead the Broncos in the future.
The learning and adaptation process of a quarterback is constant. In a study session in May 2025, Nix, along with his teammates, reviews plays and concepts with quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. The session is a testament to the complexity of the game, where knowledge, improvisation, and practical application intertwine. Webb, aware of the challenge, continues to push Nix, hoping that his effort and talent will combine to achieve success.The future of Bo Nix and Sean Payton at the Broncos is uncertain, but the coach’s faith in his quarterback is unwavering. The combination of knowledge, hard work, and talent could be the key to unlocking Nix’s potential and taking the Broncos to the top.
