Broncos End Season with 8-9 Record: Payton's First Year as Head Coach Marked by Disappointment

Offseason Challenges Loom as Team Struggles with Offensive Consistency and Uncertainty at Quarterback Position

Sean Payton's first season as Denver Broncos head coach ended with a disappointing 8-9 record, including a 27-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in the final game.
Payton benched veteran quarterback Russell Wilson two weeks before the end of the season, replacing him with Jarrett Stidham, leading to questions about the team's future at the quarterback position.
The Broncos struggled with offensive consistency throughout the season, with the team finishing with no more than 322 yards on offense for 10 straight weeks.
Despite the disappointing season, players expressed confidence in Payton's leadership and the culture he is building for the team.
The Broncos now face an offseason of work, including decisions about key positions and strategies for improving their performance.