Grip it and rip it.
These are the voices Sean Payton hears in his head when he’s golfing. And staring at the big board in the war room.
Most coaches ignore them, either because they are risk-averse or value their employment.
Not Payton. He listens. And smiles. With consecutive strong offseasons — most notably identifying a franchise quarterback in Bo Nix — the Broncos have closed the gap in the AFC West. They no longer require a telescope to see the Chiefs, a team they are 2-2 against since 2023 after losing 16 straight.
With that in mind, Payton should not hesitate to be bold next week.
It is no longer necessary for the Broncos to chip their way to the green. Time to break out Bryson DeChambeau’s Krank Formula Fire Pro, right?
“We can’t be afraid of talking about our goals and where we see this team, especially coming out of free agency,” Payton said Thursday. “I, probably more than any other average-to-below-average handicap golfer, am guilty of hitting a driver when I should be hitting another club.”
More often than not, he keeps the ball in the fairway, whether in a round in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with Wayne Gretzky and John Elway, or in the draft. Coming off a playoff berth, with the franchise finally relevant again, it is a perfect time for a big swing to land more weapons for Nix.
Payton’s aggression has paid dividends. He moved back into the first round to take Mark Ingram in 2011. He identified Alvin Kamara in the third round as a future star because of his athleticism and comprehension, undeterred by his sporadic use and injuries in college and third-day draft projections.
Going for it demands context. That does not mean a blockbuster deal. But what about moving to the 15th spot to take running back Omarion Hampton or tight end Colston Loveland? Or trading out of the first round with Cleveland to get the 33rd and 94th picks to pair with Nos. 51 and 86? The Broncos could land, in order, running back TreVeyon Henderson, tight end Mason Taylor, defensive tackle Darius Alexander and receiver Elic Ayomanor.
This draft isn’t about going full Tin Cup. But there is nothing wrong with Payton shooting for the pin.
What about the captain? CU retiring numbers for Travis Hunter (understandable) and Shedeur Sanders (too soon) raises the question: When will the Colorado Eagles raise Gabe Landeskog’s jersey to the rafters?
Big Ben, small minds: According to a report, the Los Angeles Clippers are using Ben Simmons on the scout team in the role of Nikola Jokic to prepare for the Nuggets. Imagine the Clippers’ shock on Saturday when Joker shoots a 3.
By Josh: Josh Kroenke admitted he “failed” Michael Malone and Calvin Booth by not managing their relationship better. In truth, it showed his soft spot for basketball. He became too close to both, preventing him from firing them sooner. Moving forward, Kroenke needs to detach himself, letting his basketball mind work in freedom as he does with the Avs and GM Chris MacFarland.
Hurdle cleared: Bringing back Clint Hurdle is comfortable, but it will also help wake up the Rockies’ dormant offense. However, let’s not pretend owner Dick Monfort is playing multi-dimensional chess. Until he holds general manager Bill Schmidt, manager Bud Black and the scouting department accountable, he’s simply playing us for sympathy.
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