ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos' history is one built upon high defensive standards.
As the Broncos aim to meet that mark and post a strong performance in 2024, Head Coach Sean Payton believes that the outside linebacker room will play a key role in getting the job done.
"It's an important position in this defense," Payton said Tuesday. "… You're looking for guys that are physical enough to set an edge in the run game and yet give you pass rush and convert when it's a passing situation, so obviously it's a really important position for what we do defensively."
Outside linebacker Baron Browning shares this sentiment, and he is confident that his room is prepared to lead the charge as the defense looks to improve in 2024.
"I think the outside linebackers play a very pivotal role in this defense, so we're just trying to be the leaders of the defense and make plays every day," he said. "That's our mindset and we're believing in it."
While developing a strong physical skill set will be essential to defensive success, Payton and Browning both believe that developing mental toughness will be equally as important when it comes to taking that leap forward.
"A lot of it is mental toughness," Payton said. "It is so imperative that you develop not only that physical skill set, but that mental toughness."
Added Browning: "[We want to] set a very physical and aggressive mindset. So, we've just been trying to hold each other to that standard each and every day."
Payton is confident that developing this mental strength can be a difference-maker when fatigue begins to set in during the later stages of games, and he will look to leaders such as Browning to set the standard when faced with these game-altering situations.
Browning hopes to lead by example, as he is eager to have a larger presence this season. He will look to improve upon his 25 tackles (19 solo), 4.5 sacks, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles during the 10 games he played in 2023.
"To play 17 games this year — that's my focus," Browning said of his goals for 2024. "Just to be available for my teammates and just do whatever I can to help us win games. … And just as an edge, be disruptive."
With players like Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss and others in the group, as well, the Broncos' outside linebackers may soon show their ability to live up to lofty standards.
WIDE RECEIVER TIM PATRICK SHOWS PROMISE AHEAD OF 2024 SEASON
After battling injuries during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, wide receiver Tim Patrick is building momentum ahead of 2024.
Payton has been impressed with what he has seen so far and believes that Patrick is making steady progress both on and off the field.
"He's continuing to gain confidence," Payton said. "I've seen some really good things. There's a whole other side of what he brings, too; he's competitive, he's tough, he's one of the leaders in that room. … We've just got to make sure we build to where he's at and understand it's been a while [since he's played]."
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is equally as thrilled to have his longtime teammate back out on the field with him.
"It's amazing to be able to have Tim back out on the field," Sutton said. "Seeing him back out there, it brings a smile to my face. Tim and I have [been] doing this now for seven years together, and to be able to see him fight the adversity that he's been through the past couple years and come out here with the mentality [that] he has, it's been a lot of fun."
