Broncos: Sean Payton takes steps to limit injuries in the upcoming season
The Denver Broncos had a wide array of issues last season. Russell Wilson didn't perform at the level, or near the level, that he should have. The offensive line didn't do a great job protecting the franchise quarterback. Wide receivers had plenty of missed opportunities with drops, and the defense did their best with the […]
The Denver Broncos had a wide array of issues last season.
Russell Wilson didn't perform at the level, or near the level, that he should have. The offensive line didn't do a great job protecting the franchise quarterback. Wide receivers had plenty of missed opportunities with drops, and the defense did their best with the offense puttering.
However, one of the most critical issues last season was the injuries the team faced. In fact, Denver was second in the entire league with injuries, falling only behind the Tennessee Titans. Even before the season started, the injury bug reared its ugly head. Every week it seemed another player was out for a substantial amount of time. The hobbled roster just couldn't compete in a season with sky-high expectations.
Sean Payton seems to understand the importance of health and is making a concerted effort to get the team in the best shape possible. A few key hires indicate that the Broncos' head coach is looking to fight the injury bug the team faced last season head-on. In a surprising yet impactful move, Payton hired a Vice President of player health and performance, Beau Lowrery.
Lowery's expertise is unmatched. The newly aquired Vice President has 25 years of experience in sports medicine and he has spent time at the highest level of collegiate and professional sports. The Denver Broncos' official website elaborated on what Lowery is going to bring to the table with the organization. "In his role with the Broncos, Lowery will be responsible for implementing and leading a collaborative player health & performance program that includes athletic training, strength & conditioning, nutrition, and sports science."
Payton, in fact, opened up during the NFL owners' meeting in Arizona on the importance of staying healthy and what Lowery is going to bring to the organization. "Typically, when you have the season that went like it did last year, there’s a lot of people with dirt on their hands. It’s not just one thing. Beau Lowery — we hired him to come [to Denver]. I’ve worked with Beau and he’s outstanding. He’ll head up the training room, strength [and conditioning], sports science and all of that. He’s someone that is outstanding. It’s hard in our league."
On top of the Lowery hire, Payton has made a few more decisions in hopes to protect the roster and prepare them for gameday. The Broncos' head coach made the decision, already, that the starters will be playing in the upcoming preseason. Payton was blunt when asked about the decision. “We are going to play all of them." This is a stark contrast from the previous regime that had rested the starters in the preseason. Payton is looking to have the team ready once the season kicks off which means more meaningful reps in the preseason.
Lastly, Payton made the decision to bring in a new strength and conditioning coach, Dan Dalrymple. Dalrymple spent time with Payton during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints and hopes to mirror the success they previously shared.
It appears that Payton is doing all he can in an attempt to control something that is seemingly uncontrollable. Let's see how the new changes pan out once the season starts and if Payton can see more success than the team did last year.
Broncos fans deserve better, here's hoping the change gives them just that.
