An SB Nation column asks whether Sean Payton is overrated, citing Denver’s sluggish offense early in 2026 despite spending first- and third-round picks to acquire Jaylen Waddle. The writer argues that the Broncos’ recent success has relied more on their defense than on Payton’s.
Denver’s record improved from 8-9 in Payton’s 2023 debut to 10-7 in 2024 and 14-3 in 2025, when the Broncos reached the AFC Championship game. The column also cites backup Jarrett Stidham’s 17-of-31, 133-yard performance after Bo Nix was injured in the divisional round and could not start.
The writer points to Nix’s average air yards per completion—4.5 in 2024, ranking 32nd, and 4.7 in 2025, ranking 30th—as evidence of limited downfield passing. Through two games in 2026, Waddle had 140 receiving yards, compared with 133 for former Denver receiver Devaughn Vele, whom the Broncos traded to the Saints. Denver faces the Rams this week, a matchup the column presents as a test for Payton.
