Christian McCaffrey’s father cautiously optimistic over Broncos’ rebuild under Sean Payton and Bo Nix
Ed McCaffrey, a former NFL player and the father of San Francisco 49ers running back Christian, believes the Denver Broncos are primed for success in 2024. Denver is coming off a disappointing 8-9 season as the Broncos failed to make the playoffs.
Entering 2024, Denver has a new quarterback in Bo Nix, whom they selected in the first round, while Sean Payton is set for his second season as the coach of the Broncos.
Taking to X, Ed McCaffrey was asked about the Broncos. He heaped praise on the team.
"The Coach, the QB, the Defense, the Culture, it all just seems like it's clickin' right now," McCaffrey wrote.
Although McCaffey thinks everything for Denver is clicking, the oddsmakers don't. Denver is given +700 odds to make the playoffs, which implies just a 12.5% chance of making the playoffs.
McCaffrey played nine seasons for the Broncos as he ended his career in Denver and won Super Bowl XXXIII with the Broncos.
Sean Payton still won't announce Broncos starting QB
Denver has played two preseason games and in the latest preseason game, Bo Nix had success again as he went 8-for-9 for 80 yards for one touchdown.
Although Nix has been playing well, Payton says he still won't announce who the team's starting quarterback is, as he also likes the play of Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham.
“He’s played well. I’m not announcing any starting quarterback tonight,” Payton said, via NBC Sports. “I’ll let you guys know when the time comes. I thought he played well.”
Nix, meanwhile, heaped praise on Payton and the playcalling, saying the coaches have made the adjustment to the NFL easy.
"I think it's a really good fit, especially tonight, I mean come out here and [I was] very comfortable with the first few plays that were called," Nix said, via NFL.com.
"They were kind of keeping it within my comfort level, and that's huge, especially for someone who's trying to get in there and execute. You want to run plays that you feel comfortable with, and that's what coach Payton was calling tonight."
Denver selected Nix 12th overall in the 2024 NFL draft out of the University of Oregon.
The Broncos will open the 2024 season on the road against the Seattle Seahawks. Denver will have its home opener in Week 2, when the Broncos host the Pittsburgh Steelers.