Former Broncos Super Bowl Champ Gives Payton a B+
Chris Harris Jr. has given Sean Payton a B+ grade so far in his first season as the Broncos head coach. Payton, who won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints, took over the job in Denver last February after the franchise traded for his services.
Under Payton's leadership, the Broncos got off to a rocky start. Denver started the season 1-5 and looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL. Since week seven, they have been one of the best in the league. Thanks to a five-game winning streak, the team is now 6-6 and very much in the playoff hunt.
"Just because we started so bad, and we started so bad at home. Usually, you want to start off good when you have those home games. We had them stacked up at the beginning of the season. We just didn't take advantage of them," said Harris Jr. "So, I will give him a B+ because we are in the hunt right now."
The former All-Pro claims that Sean Payton should not take all the blame for the early season struggles. He makes the point that Payton inherited a poor roster. Harris Jr. predicted that only two Pro Bowl players are currently on the team and thinks Denver's coach is winning despite lacking top-end talent.
"I think he is doing an excellent job. He has them right in the hunt. I think they are a game out. They are still in a solid place to be able to finish strong and have a shot to be in the tournament," said Harris Jr.
