Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton just dropped some serious praise for the San Francisco 49ers, calling them a championship caliber squad ahead of their Week 4 showdown. This isn’t just a generic pre-game handshake, either. Payton has seen a ton of coaches come and go in his decades in the NFL, and he’s clearly impressed with what Kyle Shanahan and Raheem Morris have built. These two are leading an undefeated 49ers team that’s now standing in the way of the Broncos’ pursuit of a third straight victory.
Shanahan’s Offensive Masterclass Is Unstoppable
Payton really respects Kyle Shanahan, who is in his tenth season leading the 49ers. He recalled snaps from Shanahan’s Atlanta days, where Matt Ryan would extend the ball for a run, then pull it back, and suddenly someone downfield was wide open. That kind of elite run-game plan, which Payton says started with Shanahan’s father, hasn’t changed. The play-actions coming off that run game are still pure magic. Payton said that balance between run and pass is what makes Shanahan so special. He’s been familiar with Shanahan since his Saints days in the NFC South, and they’ve crossed paths for years at Owners Meetings and Combines. Payton even mentioned his great relationship with Shanahan’s father.
Shanahan’s play-calling for the 49ers’ offense has been incredible. They are near the top of the league in points scored, and when it matters most, his players are executing at a high level. We’re talking about a team that’s incredible on third down and lethal in the red zone. Their offense is truly a problem.
Purdy and the Playmakers Are Next Level
Payton highlighted the running game as front and center, and it’s no joke. The 49ers boast one of the best ground games in the NFL this year, led by Christian McCaffrey and rookie third-round pick Kaelon Black. If Denver wants any chance on the road, they cannot let those two run wild. But it’s not just the run game. Their passing offense has been incredibly efficient too. Bringing back Deebo Samuel was a smart move, and adding Mike Evans at wide receiver has completely opened things up for fifth-year quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy is currently leading the NFL with 9 touchdowns and only one interception, and get this: he hasn’t even been sacked through three games! That’s just wild.
So, the Broncos, with Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, are facing an absolute monster. Joseph has had his fair share of battles against Shanahan over the years, and this Week 4 matchup is going to be a pure chess match trying to contain this high-powered 49ers offense. Good luck, Vance. Denver needs to bring everything they’ve got on the road to try and stop this juggernaut.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
Leave a Reply