This is the reason behind Sean Payton’s decision to have the Broncos depart for Buffalo ahead of time and extend their stay. On Sunday, the Broncos were already settled in their hotel in western New York, a comfortable 36 hours before their game against the Buffalo Bills.
This approach is part of a unique travel strategy, departing nearly 50 hours before the scheduled kickoff time at Highmark Stadium. Unlike previous trips to the Eastern Time Zone, where they either left two days or the day before, this time, they not only arrived early on Saturday but will also stay late, returning to Denver on Tuesday.
Sean Payton, drawing from his experience coaching the New Orleans Saints, emphasized the importance of finding the best approach for a western team heading east. The focus is on getting sufficient rest and maintaining a routine similar to a home game, with morning meetings and a walk-through on Sunday.
While the Broncos have employed similar strategies for East Coast trips before, this time is different due to the late kickoff time after 8 p.m. This extended schedule includes meetings, a pregame meal, naps, and buses heading over around 4 o’clock.
The decision to return on Tuesday, rather than immediately after the game, is driven by a desire to avoid an overnight flight, which is common after Monday Night Football. Sean Payton is mindful of the impact on the team’s preparation for the following week’s game, aiming to land at Denver International Airport in the morning hours to ensure a smoother transition.
Overall, this decision reflects Sean Payton’s influence on the Broncos and his strategic approach to optimizing the team’s performance, both in the current game and in the subsequent weeks.
Leave a Reply