Broncos HC Sean Payton continues to establish authority

New Broncos HC Sean Payton is making everyone respect his authority in Denver, including GM George Paton.

"Paton's role as the head of football operations has changed," wrote longtime Denver sportswriter Woody Paige. "Instead of making all of the decisions in free agency and the draft, as he did with the previous coach, Paton this time won't make a trade or pick without Payton's approval."

According to Paige, the last Denver HC with the same power level was Mike Shanahan, who guided the Broncos to two Super Bowls in the late '90s. 

Payton, like Shanahan, has won a Super Bowl and posted a 152-89 record in 15 seasons as New Orleans HC. Therefore, giving him foresight over football decisions is wise since he knows what he's doing.
Plus, Paton built a terrible organization in his first two seasons as GM.

The Broncos have had a 12-22 record during this time frame, tied for 29th in the NFL. They've also finished last in the AFC West for consecutive seasons. 

So the Broncos must remodel to reverse course and find a winning trajectory. 

Payton's cleaning house in Denver to accomplish his mission; only four coaches from last year's staff remain, and 20 players from the 2022 roster are gone, per Paige.

He also explained that the offseason will differ because it will be grueling, and starters will play in preseason games.

"I do know we're playing tackle football, and you have to practice tackle football," Payton recently said while discussing the changes. 

Seizing power and changing the franchise's process helps Payton send a clear message: he is the captain and runs a tight operation.