Why Saints Can Replicate Broncos Success from a Year Ago
As the New Orleans Saints gear up for the 2025 NFL season, they are looking to replicate the unexpected success of the Denver Broncos from the previous year. While the Broncos surprised many with their strong defense and savvy coaching, the Saints are poised to make their mark, especially with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough, drafted to inject new energy and talent into the offense, brings a wealth of experience from his college days and a strong competitive drive that could quickly make him a fan favorite. Much like the Broncos leaned on a robust defense to complement their offense, the Saints can surprise people by tightening up their defensive game and utilizing Shough’s skills to open up new dimensions in their attack. With the right balance and a few key adjustments, the Saints could not only be playoff contenders but also exceed expectations in a season many may count them out of.
In 2024, the Denver Broncos surprised many by exceeding expectations in their second year under head coach Sean Payton. They executed a soft retooling of their roster, making strategic moves to get younger across key positions, including picking their quarterback and moving on from veteran Russell Wilson. This bold decision to start fresh with a new signal-caller allowed the Broncos to create a dynamic offense tailored to their future needs. What makes their success even more impressive is the highly competitive AFC West Division, where they had to contend with multiple playoff teams. Given that the Broncos still managed to thrive in such a challenging environment, it’s not unreasonable to believe that the New Orleans Saints could replicate this success in their way. The NFC South, in contrast, remains one of the weakest divisions in the league, making it the perfect environment for the Saints to capitalize on their retooling, with a young quarterback like Tyler Shough leading the charge and a defense ready to bounce back. If the Broncos can turn things around in a tough division, the Saints have every reason to be optimistic about their chances in a weaker NFC South.
The Broncos’ 2024 season ended with a 10-7 record and a playoff berth, an outcome few predicted at the start of the year. Their turnaround was driven by elite coaching from Sean Payton’s staff and a top-five defense anchored by veteran stars and emerging young talent who fit perfectly into a well-designed scheme. Denver also nailed their draft, uncovering impact players on both sides of the ball, which allowed them to remain competitive even when the offense wasn’t lighting up the scoreboard. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix exceeded expectations, performing efficiently with solid but not spectacular weapons around him, showing how the right system and support can fast-track a young quarterback’s development. We saw a similar trajectory in Washington with Jayden Daniels, who thrived as a rookie by leaning on a balanced roster and smart coaching. Tinnovativeints hope to follow that blueprint, relying on rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and other young contributors to step up alongside proven veterans. At the same time, a revamped coaching staff elevates the entire roster. If they can find that balance, New Orleans has a clear path to make a significant leap in a wide-open NFC South.
In a league where quick turnarounds are becoming more common, the Saints are positioned to be one of the NFL’s next surprise stories. By following the formula laid out by the Broncos' strong drafting, smart roster retooling, a blend of youth and veteran leadership, and an improved coaching staff, New Orleans has all the ingredients to make a playoff push. Tyler Shough doesn’t need to be a superstar overnight; he just needs to play within the system, much like Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels did in their rookie seasons. With the NFC South lacking a dominant team, the Saints have a real opportunity to rise if their young players deliver and their veterans lead the way. Don’t be shocked if New Orleans becomes this season’s breakout team.
