Former Saints QB Drew Brees makes strong statement about Sean Payton/Russell Wilson pairing in Denver
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees knows new Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton better than anyone. Brees, after all, spent 14 years alongside Payton. So it's probably worth listening to what he has to say about the Payton/Russell Wilson era that's about to begin in Denver. Brees thinks we've yet to see the […]
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees knows new Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton better than anyone.
Brees, after all, spent 14 years alongside Payton.
So it's probably worth listening to what he has to say about the Payton/Russell Wilson era that's about to begin in Denver.
Brees thinks we've yet to see the best of Wilson in the NFL. But he believes that will change once Payton and Wilson start working together.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback told ESPN's Ed Werder this week that he thinks Wilson is about to enter his prime at age 34.
“To me, this is set up to be Russell Wilson’s prime," said Brees. "Especially with Sean Payton and a system that’s going to be built around him…This is a great opportunity for Russell Wilson."
That's quite a statement from Brees — especially considering the success that Wilson has already enjoyed.
But I don't think it's unreasonable. Plenty of NFL quarterbacks have played some of their best football in their mid to late 30s (Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, etc).
One reason why I think some folks on social media have criticized this statement from Brees is because they're blinded by what happened in 2022 in Denver.
And that's not wise.
I don't think we can hold 2022 against Wilson. He was in a bad situation with a head coach who had no business being a head coach.
Payton, meanwhile, has proven he can have success with veteran quarterbacks. And I think there will be a level of respect between Wilson and Payton that will allow Denver's new head coach to get the most out of the Broncos' franchise quarterback.
Obviously, we'll have to see how it all plays out. But Brees' words should undoubtedly be comforting to a Broncos fan base that's starving for success after six straight losing seasons.
Featured image via Chuck Cook -USA TODAY Sports
