Sean Payton loves October more than pumpkins.
He is the NFL’s all-time winningest coach this month. And, before you ask, it is not just a New Orleans thing. Payton is 5-3 in Denver, including wins over the Chiefs, Packers and Raiders.
He owns a 47-19 career record in October. His 71.2 winning percentage ranks first. He hovers above Green Bay’s Curly Lambeau (70.7) — you know, the guy the field is named after — Pittsburgh’s Bill Cowher (70.2), Papa Bear George Halas (70.2), Don Shula (70.0) and Bill Belichick (69.7).
Payton discusses seasons as a race: Which teams can get ready quickly and improve the fastest? He makes little of trends, saying good teams win anywhere, anytime.
But the reality is that October remains the second day of a golf tournament. And Payton knows the links, his countless summer rounds in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with Wayne Gretzky and John Elway offering proof. October is not moving day. It is a great separator, the month to avoid the cut.
The October success reflects the strength of his staff. Payton is demanding, unforgiving, detail-oriented. When players remain open to this type of accountability, they improve as the season progresses.
We saw it last year during the five-game winning streak. We have seen it this year with three consecutive road victories, a sack-happy defense and an offense that is finally forming its identity around the ground game. Payton’s team enters Sunday as a double-digit favorite, something that would have drawn out-loud laughs before the season. It reveals Denver’s growth and also that the Panthers stink.
October wins are not a coincidence for Payton. And the work this month — it will continue in a rout of the Panthers — will set up the Broncos to play meaningful games in December.
Young and Hopeless: It would be hard for Carolina quarterback Bryce Young to pick a worse week to return to the lineup. He has never won an NFL road game, turning the ball over 10 times, while getting sacked 33 times. Looking at who he is throwing to this week. With Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson out, it will be an upset if the Broncos don’t deliver a pick-six.
Reserve clause: One game is no reason to panic over the Nuggets. But concern over their bench is fair and warranted. Russell Westbrook brings energy and attitude. But where is the scoring coming from? Julian Strawther has much to prove, and coach Michael Malone must fight the temptation to bail on him. How long will Malone stagger Jamal Murray’s minutes with the second group? This seems counterproductive, but if Murray continues to play with the reserves, tell him to shoot and cast Westbrook as a true point guard.
Makar Magic: The Avs executed a remarkable U-turn after losing their first four games. They responded with a four-game win streak as Cale Makar provided eight points. The Bobby Orr comparisons started years ago, but appear more apt than ever. It seems inevitable that Makar, at some point, will join Orr as the only defenseman to lead the NHL in scoring.
Mail Time
Great article on David Njoku. Every point on the money (and entertaining). If there is a difference-maker we can get for a good price — and he has several more years as a legit starter — add him. Period.
Dan, St. Louis, email
Thanks for the kind words. While Payton is comfortable with his roster, the offense clearly needs an upgrade at tight end. Lucas Krull leads the group with six receptions. For the year. Not a game. Njoku offers a potential solution for this season and beyond and would help accelerate Bo Nix’s development in the passing game.