Sean Payton Faces Familiar Foes in Jameis Winston and Jerry Jeudy as Broncos Host Browns

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton is set to face a familiar challenge as his team hosts the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. Payton has a significant history with the Browns’ dynamic duo of quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. During his tenure with the New Orleans Saints, Payton coached Winston for three years, and in his first year with the Broncos, he worked with Jeudy before granting his trade request to the Browns last March.

Payton praised Winston’s leadership and infectious personality, noting that Winston’s ability to connect with his receivers is a key factor in their success. Winston and Jeudy have formed a strong connection, resulting in 24 completions for 379 yards and a touchdown over the past four weeks, including wins against playoff contenders Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Winston took over as the Browns’ quarterback after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending injury in mid-October. In his first start in two years, Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Ravens. Payton expressed no surprise at Winston’s performance, highlighting his natural leadership and professional demeanor. Payton also reflected on his time coaching Winston in New Orleans, where Winston had a strong start to the 2021 season before an ACL injury ended his season.

Payton also has a positive view of Jeudy, praising his talent, football IQ, and physical attributes. Despite Jeudy’s unhappiness with his role in Denver, Payton was a fan of his during their time together and initially resisted trading him before eventually sending him to the Browns for draft picks.

The Broncos themselves have a blossoming duo in rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Nix, the sixth quarterback selected in this year’s draft, has been outstanding, earning NFL Rookie of the Month in October and three consecutive NFL Rookie of the Week awards. He has thrown for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns without an interception in his past three games, a streak tied for the longest by a rookie since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.