It's time for Broncos' Sean Payton to prove he's worth $18 million

The number of times Sean Payton appeared relaxed at his Friday press conferences last season could be counted on one hand. Maybe on one finger. Like on the middle finger.

That's what made Friday so interesting and was further proof of how comfortable he is with his second team, the Broncos, in their first game of the season. He answered questions, both general and specific. He smiled and even showed a touch of self-deprecating humor about his college study habits.

Payton has found a desirable role straight out of central casting: the underdog. He revels in it. He might as well be wearing Air Buds instead of Air Jordans.

“I think we all take a little pride in what we do and we have a competitive spirit,” Payton said when I asked him what he likes about his team being overlooked. “I think a really good motivator, and not just in sports but with all of us, is the fear of failure. That's pretty powerful. I think – and I don't want to use the word 'I' – we like challenges, and this is a challenge.”

The Broncos are not something we're used to seeing as cold-blooded mutts around here. But that's their reality. They're rebuilding this season, and bookies are predicting five wins. The Seattle Seahawks are six-point favorites on Sunday. Anyone the Broncos face will be a popular pick in the Survivor Pool.

OK, coach, it's time to justify that $18 million salary.

Last season, Payton seemed arrogant. This year, he seems confident. You don't think Payton believes he can outsmart Seattle's Mike Macdonald?

Consider this: In his career, Payton is 28-11 against rookie coaches, including the playoffs. He is 12-4 in the first half of the season, including wins over three Mikes – McCarthy, Smith and Zimmer.

Forgive the extrapolation, but it doesn't take away from the stat. Payton is at his best in games like this. If your resume includes a Super Bowl title, if your legacy makes a compelling case for Canton, it's on you to deliver an A on the Xs and Os. No excuses.

Macdonald has a staff of first-time coordinators. Payton will have to outdo him as a coach, just as Pete Carroll outdid Nathaniel Hackett two years ago. Although, to be fair, Nate was more like Ronald McDonald than Mike.

Payton offered echoes of his Saints past last season, leading the Broncos to key games in December and briefly flirting with a postseason berth. Russell Wilson is a backup for 2023, not necessarily because of his performance, but because of his fit and the fact that Payton would never have signed him.

This year is different. Payton has his quarterback, Bo Nix. He has a roster that is riddled with young players who benefit the most from lessons and guidance. That's what Payton enjoys most. It showed in his attitude and energy this summer.

“I wasn't sure he knew my name for a while,” rookie running back Audric Estime said with a laugh. “But then he started telling me things about me that I couldn't believe he knew. He knows the players and has a connection with them.”

OK, show us. It may not be reflected in the record, but Payton's excellence has to show in improvement, discipline and Nix's progress. Payton likes to say when evaluating players that you don't always have to see it, but you have to see it.

So, coach, we wait.

Remember The Six Million Dollar Man, the 1970s TV series? For their money, the government got a replica astronaut with bionic implants that gave him superhuman strength, speed and eyesight. For $18 million, the Broncos need a coach with uncanny instincts, impeccable time management and a vision for the future.

Payton has shown what he can do in Seattle. He is 3-3 at Lumen Field — the loss to Marshawn Lynch at the Beastquake still stings — but has won two games in a row. He got a win with Teddy Bridgewater in 2019 and Jameis Winston in 2021. The latter game is telling, as Winston was a remedial project. He completed 19 of 35 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown. He ran eight times for 40 yards. He committed no turnovers. If you're wondering what a Nix line might look like in an upset, this is it.