He battled,” Sean Payton said of Broncos QB Bo Nix. “There are some third downs I’m sure he’ll want back. Some plays that he’ll want back.”

The Denver Broncos' first postseason trip since the 2015 campaign was short-lived. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills defeated Denver 31-7 in Sunday's AFC

Your (column) about Bo Nix turning the Broncos into Super Bowl contenders next year was premature. The Broncos have eight games next year against playoff teams. You’ve obviously drank the Kool-Aid. A bit of pragmatism would be refreshing when writing about the Broncos’ future.

Denver Broncos owner Greg Penner, general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton all spoke glowingly of QB Bo Nix, who they believe is the future of the franchise under center.

Payton also said the gap to elite is closing with the Broncos feeling good about what would have been a second-round game at Kansas City if they got by the Bills.

The fallout from the Broncos’ playoff exit reveals lingering tension as Sean Payton praises Bo Nix while criticizing his former quarterback.

The Denver Broncos surprised many in the NFL this year by nabbing the seventh seed in the AFC playoffs. Bo Nix steadily improved throughout the year and led the team to a 10-7 record.

Oct 5, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs ball while defended by Texas Tech Red Raiders defender Macho Stevenson (12) during second quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

You could almost see the steam coming out of Sean Payton's ears on Wednesday when he was asked about the external "expectations" surrounding the 2024 Denver Broncos, including the oddsmakers, who set the team's over/under for wins at 5.5. The Broncos won 10 games.

As the Denver Broncos reflect on their 2024 season, one thing has become clear: rookie QB Bo Nix is their leader for the present and future. The Broncos ended an eight-year playoff drought with a 10-7 record,