Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency

Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency explores how the Broncos’ head coach has consistently highlighted his team’s ability to maximize performance, minimize mistakes, and execute game plans with precision—traits he views as critical to competing in the tough AFC West. Since joining Denver in 2023, Payton has emphasized efficiency across all phases of the game, from offensive playcalling that capitalizes on opponent weaknesses to a defense that forces turnovers and limits scoring chances. His public praise for the team’s efficiency isn’t just motivational; it’s a reflection of tangible improvements in key statistical areas, from third-down conversion rates to red-zone scoring. Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency delves into the specific aspects of the Broncos’ play that have earned Payton’s admiration, showing how efficiency has become a defining feature of the team’s identity under his leadership.

Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency starts with the offense, where Payton has repeatedly highlighted the team’s improved third-down conversion rate as a marker of efficiency. In 2022, the Broncos ranked 24th in the NFL with a 36.1% third-down conversion rate; under Payton in 2023, that number jumped to 42.3%, good for 10th in the league. Payton has credited this turnaround to a mix of tailored playcalling and player execution, noting how quarterback Russell Wilson has become more adept at reading defenses and making quick decisions. “Third downs are where good teams become great—our ability to move the chains consistently shows we’re playing smart, efficient football,” Payton said during a post-game press conference in November 2023. The offense’s efficiency was particularly evident in a Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, where the Broncos converted 7 of 11 third downs, including a critical 3rd-and-10 that Wilson converted with a 15-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy. This efficiency kept the Chargers’ offense off the field and allowed the Broncos to control the clock for over 35 minutes. Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency recognizes the offense’s third-down success as a cornerstone of the team’s improved performance under Payton.

Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency turns to the defense, where Payton has lauded the unit’s ability to create turnovers and limit points in high-leverage situations. In 2023, the Broncos ranked 8th in the NFL with 28 takeaways (17 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries), a significant improvement from their 2022 total of 19. Payton has highlighted how the defense’s efficiency lies in its discipline—avoiding costly penalties that extend opponent drives and focusing on forcing turnovers rather than just making tackles. “Our defense doesn’t just stop plays—they create opportunities for our offense,” Payton said after a Week 8 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Broncos forced 3 turnovers (including 2 interceptions of Patrick Mahomes) that led to 14 points. The defense’s efficiency was also apparent in red-zone situations: they held opponents to a 55.2% red-zone scoring rate in 2023, down from 62.1% in 2022 and good for 12th in the league. Players like safety Justin Simmons (4 interceptions) and edge rusher Bradley Chubb (12 sacks) have been key to this success, with Payton noting their ability to “make game-changing plays without taking unnecessary risks.” Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency underscores how the defense’s turnover creation and red-zone discipline have earned Payton’s trust and admiration.

Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency underscores how the Denver Broncos’ special teams unit has become a model of efficiency under Payton’s guidance, with the coach singling out their consistency in field goals, punting, and return coverage. In 2023, kicker Wil Lutz converted 90.5% of his field goal attempts (38 of 42), including all 12 of his attempts from 40-49 yards—a marked improvement from the Broncos’ 78.6% field goal rate in 2022. Punter Sam Martin also excelled, averaging 47.2 yards per punt with a 42.1-yard net average, ranking 11th in the NFL. Payton has praised special teams coordinator Mike Mallory for “turning a unit that was inconsistent into one we can rely on in every game.” The unit’s efficiency was critical in a Week 5 win over the New York Jets, where Lutz made 4 field goals (including a game-winning 52-yarder as time expired) and Martin pinned the Jets inside their 20-yard line 3 times. The Denver Broncos’ special teams have become a hidden strength, with Payton noting that “in close games, special teams efficiency can be the difference between winning and losing—and our guys have delivered when it matters most.”

Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency highlights how the Denver Broncos’ practice and preparation efficiency has laid the groundwork for their on-field success, with Payton emphasizing the team’s focus on quality over quantity. Since arriving in Denver, Payton has shortened practice sessions but increased their intensity, using game-like scenarios to ensure players are ready to execute in real-time. He has also implemented a “feedback loop” where coaches and players review film together daily, identifying inefficiencies and making adjustments quickly. “Our practices are designed to replicate game situations—we don’t waste time on drills that don’t translate to Sundays,” Payton said in an interview with NFL Network. This preparation efficiency was evident in the Broncos’ Week 16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, where they executed a trick play (a reverse pass from Jerry Jeudy to Russell Wilson for a touchdown) that had been practiced for just two weeks. Players have echoed Payton’s praise, with running back Javonte Williams noting that “the way we practice makes game days feel easier—we’ve already seen most of what the defense throws at us.” The Denver Broncos’ commitment to efficient preparation has not only improved their on-field performance but also boosted team confidence, with players knowing they’re ready for any challenge.

Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency concludes with how the Denver Broncos’ overall team efficiency—a combination of offensive, defensive, special teams, and preparation success—has positioned them as a legitimate AFC West contender, according to Payton. In 2023, the Broncos finished with a 9-8 record, their first winning season since 2016, and narrowly missed the playoffs. Payton has attributed this turnaround to the team’s ability to “play efficient football for 60 minutes, not just in spurts.” He has highlighted key metrics like time of possession (the Broncos ranked 12th in the NFL at 31:45 per game) and penalty rate (they averaged just 5.8 penalties per game, down from 7.2 in 2022) as evidence of their improved efficiency. “Efficiency isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being consistent, making smart decisions, and executing your game plan,” Payton said during his end-of-season press conference. The Denver Broncos’ efficiency has also earned respect from opponents, with Chiefs coach Andy Reid noting that “Denver plays a brand of football that’s hard to beat—they don’t beat themselves, and they take advantage of every mistake you make.” Sean Payton Praises the Denver Broncos Efficiency ends with a clear takeaway: under Payton’s leadership, efficiency has become more than a buzzword for the Broncos—it’s a way of playing football that has turned them from also-rans into a team that can compete with the best in the NFL. As Payton often says, “Efficiency wins championships—and we’re building a team that knows how to be efficient.”