Good morning, Broncos Country.
The Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for every team in the National Football League. For some teams it’s a realistic objective. However, there are franchises where it’s simply just a talking point fantasy.
Last season, the Denver Broncos fell short of that lofty ambition. This season, redemptions are in their sights, and the expectations are truly a mile high. A few days ago, shutdown corner Patrick Surtain II emphasized they have the coaching staff and players to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Yesterday,
Head Coach Sean Payton took the podium to field questions from all sorts of topics. When asked about whether or not this year’s Broncos squad can win it all, Payton didn’t hesitate. He had a checklist of four criteria that gives him confidence as they prepare for the upcoming season.
“Yeah, this is one of them. I think you have to play good defense to be one of those teams. You have to get good quarterback play. You have to be good on the offensive and defensive lines. You have to be well coached. I think we’re all of the above,” stated Payton.
The Broncos were one of the best defensive teams in NFL in 2025. For the second year in a row, they league in sacks. Additionally, they allowed the third fewest points and were widely regarded as the best on third downs. Every starter outside John Fraklin-Myers is set to return this year. That continuity should help them help be one of the top units in 2026.
With respect to quarterback play, we saw Bo Nix take great strides in his second season. Had he not gotten injured in Denver’s thrilling victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Championship game, the outcome of their season could have been much different. This year, Nix has a shot to cement himself as one of the game’s best quarterbacks. The Broncos added several playmakers into the fold via trade and the NFL Draft, which should bolster Nix’s play and the offense’s overall productivity this coming season.
When it comes to the offensive and defensive fronts, those are Denver’s foundational building blocks. According to Payton, those groups help set the tone in games and have been a huge reason for their success. Several years ago, that couldn’t be said. Nevertheless, heir diligence and resource allocation in those areas the past few seasons have paid off—especially on the offensive line.
“I think that room permeates the building in general, and I think that was an important goal of ours that first year. I think the depth and experience in that room, we have the veteran players that have been together,” remarked Payton.
“Then with the influx of each year, some real good young players. I think it’s hard to find in free agency, and I think we’ve done a good job even in the later rounds or in college free agency.”
Last but not least, the Broncos have assembled a phenomenal coaching staff. Quality players matter but having the right coaches to develop and set them up for success is equally as important. The Broncos have come a long way in a short period of time. A lot of that is because of Payton and his staff who have changed the team’s culture and infused the franchise with a winning mindset.
Belief is a powerful too. Can the Broncos forge that mentality to reach the ultimate goal in ‘26? I can’t wait to find out.
As always, thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.
