ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Nothing is certain before the regular season arrives.

But as Owner & CEO Greg Penner watched the Broncos during the training camp and preseason, he came away impressed.

"I'm encouraged by what I saw in training camp," Penner said Thursday. "You go back to when I spoke after the season, I said this is going to be a critical offseason and it's obviously too early to declare [it] a success, but I've been really impressed with what [Head Coach] Sean [Payton] and [General Manager] George [Paton] have done this offseason with the veteran players we brought in through free agency or trades, our approach to the draft [and] what we did there."

Penner said that from the very beginning of the offseason program, he could sense a shift in energy — and Payton has often shared a similar sentiment in recent weeks.

"From the first day of OTAs, just the enthusiasm and competitiveness — I'm sure you all could hear it on the field — it was different," Penner said. "That carried through to training camp and that passion and intensity we saw in the preseason games."

As the Broncos approach Week 1 in Seattle, Penner said he maintains belief in what the team can do in 2024.

"It's a young team, but I've got high expectations for what we can accomplish," Penner said.

Penner also said he has seen an "energized" Payton and believes in what the Broncos' head coach is building.

"He and George and myself have developed a real sense of partnership and respect and communication," Penner said. "He's had a chance to reshape the roster the way that he's really excited about it. It's been great to see his approach."

The excitement around the Broncos stems, in no small part, from the early play of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Penner said the 12th-overall pick has made a strong impression in his early months with the team.

"I've been really impressed with his poise and maturity," Penner said of Nix. "That's something about starting that many games in college that obviously develops that, and I think he's got some incredible traits. It was great to see how he played in the first two preseason games. I had a chance to call him after Sean announced that he'd be the starting quarterback. I had a great conversation with him then. All rookies are going to go through some ups and downs in their first season, and I told him, 'We're going support you.'

"I'm excited to see what he can do on the field, [as well as] the rest of this roster."