ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — After falling short in two consecutive one-score games, the Broncos’ next two opportunities could help define their season.
“It’s not a make or break, but we’re going to have a better idea of where this team is going to be after these next two weeks,” Head Coach Sean Payton said Monday.
The Broncos are facing two road matchups — and an extended stay in the Eastern time zone— and they’re hopeful a change of pace can help galvanize the team and lead to success.
Denver will travel to Tampa Bay in Week 3 and New York in Week 4, making a stop in West Virginia to train for a week between the two games. The trip will allow the team to spend a full week together, and defensive end Zach Allen said that him and several of his teammates are eager to embrace the opportunity.
“It will be a lot of fun to just be with the guys for a full week,” Allen said. “… We’re all looking forward to it.”
Payton noted the two upcoming games could present a key opportunity for his players to get on the same page and begin to turn the tide on the season.
“We are going to find out quickly,” Payton said Sunday. “They are both good teams.”
Payton knows the benefit of an extended road stretch, having gone on a similar two-week trip as the Saints’ head coach in 2017. After beginning the season 0-2, New Orleans traveled to play Carolina in Week 3 before heading straight to London to face Miami in Week 4. Not only did the team come away from the trip with two wins, including a commanding 20-0 shutout over the Dolphins, but New Orleans went on to win six more consecutive games following their return.
As Payton reflected on the opportunity that lies ahead for Denver, he couldn’t help but think of that trip back in 2017.
“There was a little bit of déjà vu,” Payton said. “This week sets up a little like that.”
While Payton believes the two-week trip will be…
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