When QB Jameis Winston takes the field on Monday Night Football against the Broncos, he will see a familiar face coaching on the opposite sideline – one that had a profound impact on his NFL career.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton served as the Saints head coach from 2006-2021, which overlapped with Winston's time in New Orleans from 2020-21. During their time together, Winston took notice of Payton's aura and essence, and how he was authentically himself as a head coach.
"I think that won be over so much," Winston said. "What Sean possessed was a leadership quality that was so important to our team at the New Orleans Saints, because, I've always put Drew (Brees) on this pedestal, and I knew it was Drew's team; but in a sense, Sean was one of our biggest leaders, our hardest workers, and definitely he was a leader among men, and that's how I put it. He was one of the best leaders I've been around."
At the helm, Payton has led the Broncos to a 7-5 record this season, sitting at third in the AFC West. Their defensive success has played an important role this season.
As a defense, they are holding teams to an average of 16.8 points per game, which is ranked third in the NFL. They allow an average of 96.2 rushing yards per game – ranked sixth in the league – and 199.8 passing yards per game – ranked ninth in the league. The Broncos also have a total of 15 takeaways this season, tied for 10th in the league, including nine interceptions.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who is in his second season with the Broncos in his role, has developed his defense into one which is successful in the pass rush and coverage. The Broncos secondary is led by CB Pat Surtain II, who has recorded three interceptions for 128 yards, one interception returned for a touchdown, eight passes defensed, 27 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Surtain presents a challenge for the offense, as head coach Kevin Stefanski called him "the prototype." His size, strength, speed, quickness, athleticism and ball skills help him stand out as a top corner in the league and make him a difficult matchup. Surtain typically follows the top receiver in coverage, which Stefanski said they have noted, but will be prepared for any changes on Monday night.
CB Denzel Ward believes that Surtain is one of the top five cornerbacks in the league.
"He's a top notch-corner for sure," Ward said. "He's a great cornerback, good for their team, follows the number one guy for teams, and I think he's a really good player. He's a great young corner and been dominant."
Yet, the Broncos have a depth across their defense. As a team, Denver leads the league in total sacks, with 44 this season. They have 14 players who have recorded at least half a sack. LB Nik Bonitto leads the team with 10 sacks and is tied for third in the league with DE Myles Garrett.
When a defense has a variety of players who can sack the quarterback, Stefanski said it presents a unique challenge for the offense. Stefanski said as an offensive unit, they have to be aware that defensive backs and linebackers can blitz, while the defensive line can win one-on-one matchups to bring that pressure.
"Obviously, (Pat) Surtain II is a very, very good corner. We played him last year, know how talented he is," Stefanski said. "But they have a bunch of guys in that back end that can produce, that can tackle, that can make plays on the ball. They're sound, they can pressure you, they can play coverage. Rush and coverage go together and they're doing a very, very good job."
