Rookie LB Receives a Huge Compliment from Sean Payton

Drew Sanders will definitely get into the Christmas spirit after reading this heartfelt message from Sean Payton.

Over the four seasons prior, the Denver Broncos had been plagued by injuries, frequently at the most inconvenient times. Due to his past mishaps, Sean Payton, the new head coach of the Broncos, set out this past summer to put together a highly skilled conditioning staff in order to avoid getting injured.

Keeping players available and healthy is often overlooked. While maintaining one’s health involves some luck, Payton has placed a high priority on progress in this area.

Despite all of Payton’s meticulous preparation in advance, injuries are still a part of the football experience, particularly in a league where the season consists of 17 games. Nik Bonitto, the team’s leading sack scorer and rush linebacker, suffered an unlucky knee injury. His absence has cost the Broncos defense, which was previously focused on attacking, a crucial component.

Outside linebacker Ronnie Perkins has been promoted from the practices quad because of Bonitto’s extended absence, possibly in part because of his affiliation with the New England Patriots. Payton has found that his pass-rushing cupboard is a little empty ever since Bonitto went down.

Due to Bonitto’s absence, rookie third-round pick Drew Sanders is seeing more action at outside linebacker even though he isn’t a recognized pass-rushing specialist. Although Sanders hasn’t recorded a sack in his few opportunities, Payton clearly believes in the youngster.

This week, Payton informed reporters, “He’s playing more OLB to get him on the field.” Asking me, ‘How do you see his vision five years out?’ I’m not sure; I could honestly say ILB or OLB, but I appreciate that he’s versatile, and I believe that will come into its own as he gains experience. Since we believe he is one of our better players, we are attempting to get him onto the field. How can we do this? That role plays a part, but I believe it’s changing. I believe that he possesses pressure-related features. He can run, and he’s a good tackler. I’m happy he’s here.”

To say that Sanders is among the Broncos’ “better players” is a huge compliment. Sanders must be pleased to hear it because Payton rarely gives players accolades, much less a rookie. Maybe the seasoned head coach is feeling the festive vibes.

In his final season, Sanders played more inside at Arkansas after beginning his college career as a rush linebacker at Alabama. Despite this, Sanders still finished with nine sacks. Sanders became the Broncos’ highest-drafted inside linebacker since 2004 after being selected at pick No. 67 in Round 3, but that is only if he doesn’t wind up being an outside man in the NFL.

Despite Sanders’ recent usage as an outside linebacker due to need, Payton’s remarks indicate that the Broncos aren’t yet sure about his long-term role. Baron Browning was selected by the Broncos in the 2021 draft as an inside linebacker, however he ended up playing outside. With Sanders, time will tell.

There is no doubt that the Broncos need to find a way to put more pressure on the quarterback after giving up five passing touchdowns and only recording two sacks against the Detroit Lions the previous week. The Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe may see more blitz packages from defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.

The brutal nature of the Broncos’ loss in the Motor City last week has exposed numerous defensive flaws that the team desperately needs to address, more so than any of the team’s prior seven losses. During his Thursday court appearance with the local press, Joseph was still detailing how the wheels went off in Detroit, which was especially telling.