ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Within the what-a-difference-a-year-makes division, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton judged his crew’s progress this offseason worthy of a reward.
On Wednesday, Payton informed the Broncos gamers he had canceled Thursday’s scheduled minicamp observe, sending the group into its downtime barely before anticipated. It was one thing he didn’t do final June in his first yr with the Broncos.
Payton mentioned after Wednesday’s observe that he had not initially deliberate on canceling the ultimate minicamp observe however determined the crew’s efficiency had made it an choice.
“Total it went nicely,” Payton mentioned of the offseason program. “Look … this was extra a byproduct of what we have been seeing, the place we’re at. And I like the place we’re at.”
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The Broncos have a youthful roster than final season, given the discharge of gamers reminiscent of quarterback Russell Wilson and security Justin Simmons this offseason to go along with free company departures reminiscent of linebacker Josey Jewell and heart Lloyd Cushenberry III. Payton has referenced the “enthusiasm” of that youthful roster on a number of events throughout the offseason.
The Broncos have a number of place battles underway, together with probably the most high-profile one at quarterback between Jarrett Stidham, rookie Bo Nix and Zach Wilson, together with cornerback and inside linebacker.
“We had good competitors,” Payton mentioned. “All of the metrics that we observe … and the attendance, however I might say competitors sharpens issues and it was totally different. It felt totally different this yr, in a great way.”
Payton was additionally requested if the youthful roster after the acute makeover this offseason, his second with the crew, has influenced his demeanor in any method in contrast along with his first yr on the job in Denver, when the Broncos completed 8-9 and out of the playoffs for the eighth consecutive yr.
“Look, there’s in all probability slightly little bit of that first yr whenever you’re pissing on all of the bushes,” Payton mentioned. “And I am in all probability responsible of that. You all the time discuss being current, the place you are at, the place your toes are at … and I might say that occurred with me fairly a bit.”
Payton mentioned he informed the gamers to “not lose” the momentum that they had gained and mentioned he anticipated the three quarterbacks to return again for coaching camp in late July able to proceed the competitors for the beginning job.
Payton and vast receiver Courtland Sutton every mentioned the three quarterbacks and a lot of the crew’s pass-catchers have been going to get collectively on their very own for every week in early July to get a head begin.
Payton additionally mentioned he met one-on-one with Sutton on Wednesday morning. Annoyed along with his contract, Sutton had stayed away from nearly all the crew’s offseason program.
He did attend the 2 days of the obligatory minicamp Tuesday and Wednesday however did not take part a lot past stretching and doing a little mild particular person work. Sutton mentioned Tuesday he hasn’t determined if he’ll report back to coaching camp on time in July if his contract is not addressed by the crew. He has two years remaining on a four-year, $60 million extension he signed late within the 2021 season.
“Courtland and I met [Wednesday] morning for fairly some time. We now have a superb relationship,” Payton mentioned. “He is vital to what we’re doing. … I might say he is vital, and I feel he is aware of that.”