The Denver Broncos are in a great spot right now. They’re out from under Russell Wilson’s contract, and in Sean Payton’s second year, they made the playoffs—even with a rookie quarterback leading the way.
A huge part of their success was a defense that ranked among the league’s best, led by Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II. Reflecting on last season’s success, Surtain shared insight into the relationship between his quarterback and head coach.
Inside the Denver Broncos’ Bo Nix-Sean Payton Dynamic
Even without top-tier weapons around him, quarterback Bo Nix had a strong rookie season, finishing 18th in PFSN’s QB+ metric. While his stats weren’t elite, his 10 wins were the most important number.
That’s why Surtain believes Nix and Payton work so well together. Speaking to RG, Surtain explained how the two push each other.
“They get along so well because they both understand the common theme, and that’s winning,” he said.
“They both want to win, and they both want to get the best out of each other, and I think they respect each other in that way, in that nature.”
That competitive fire led to some heated moments, both on and off the field.
One exchange caught everyone’s attention early in the season. During a win over their division rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, Nix and Payton were seen in what looked like a tense sideline argument. But Surtain sees it differently.
“Obviously, everybody was talking about that little confrontation on the sideline—but I wouldn’t call it a confrontation. Two guys who want to do what’s best for the team. They both have their different views of things, but when you have two guys like that, it just brings respect upon both of them and makes the team better.”
While some questioned the moment, Surtain believes it was good for the locker room. He sees that kind of intensity as a way to hold everyone accountable—including Payton himself.
“At the end of the day, we realize as a player that’s pushing the coach towards success, and as a coach pushing the player towards success. That brings the utmost confidence in the team and the utmost confidence in themselves.”
That confidence, as the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year describes it, helped Nix deliver a standout season. He threw 29 touchdowns—the second-most ever by an NFL rookie. Despite a struggling run game, he carried a playoff-caliber offense, showing both his talent and Payton’s coaching ability.
Speaking of Payton, the veteran coach is writing a new chapter in his career. When he arrived in Denver in 2023, he promised to restore the franchise to its former glory.
Two years later, he’s cleaned up the Wilson situation and led the Broncos to their first playoff appearance in a decade. Now, with an elite defense and a potential franchise quarterback, Denver looks like a long-term contender.
“He’s a great coach at the end of the day. When he came in, he came in with the confidence to bring in a winning culture to the Broncos organization and to the team,” said Surtain, who has been with Denver since being drafted ninth overall in 2021.
“The stuff that he possesses, the qualities that he has as a coach—it’s what brings us to this level of making the playoffs. His demeanor, his experience, his confidence, his personality—I think all those lead to team success.”