Although the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers’ seasons came to a close at the same time, each sent packing on Wild Card Weekend, the Broncos are much more optimistic about their season than the Steelers. And Denver head coach Sean Payton is a much happier man than a season ago. Recapping the Broncos’ season Wednesday, Payton said Denver is in a far better place now than last year, ostensibly due to strong quarterback play by rookie Bo Nix after almost two seasons with veteran Russell Wilson.
“We’re a lot closer than we were at this time a year ago,” Payton told reporters to conclude his year-end presser.