Garett Bolles says Sean Payton has helped the Broncos improve in 'crunch time'
The Denver Broncos have been trending up since hiring Sean Payton in 2023.
Denver improved by three wins in Payton's first season compared to the previous year, and they then improved by two more wins in Payton's second season. Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles, the team's longest-tenured player, spoke about Payton after a mandatory minicamp practice earlier this month.
"We have a hell of a coaching staff here," Bolles said on June 10. "We really do. One of the best in the NFL for a reason. Coach Payton, I love him dearly. I'm just super proud of him, that he chose us to be here. He could have gone anywhere else, but he chose to be a Denver Bronco. Just his coaching experience, his mindset and his culture that he builds is so special. He works the hell out of us, that's for sure. I think when we get in those moments when it's crunch time and you have to score or you have to make a stop, I don't think we're afraid because he puts us in situations in practice to make us feel uncomfortable so that when we get in those moments, we can win those close games.
"A couple of years ago, we weren't winning those close games. We were losing by three, four, five, seven points. Those are the games you have to win in this league. The mistakes that we used to make and the mistakes that we don't make right now is the difference. I think it's just all about the culture we have here, the players we have here and the mindset that we have here.'
Denver went 10-7 last season and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Payton helped the club snap a playoff drought. Now, the next goal is a division title, and ultimately, a Super Bowl victory. Bolles believes they have the right man to take them there.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
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