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Dre Greenlaw Describes ‘Old-School’ Sean Payton and Steep Defensive Learning Curve After Broncos’ Exit

Player accounts point to a steep learning curve in Denver’s defense despite elite results.

Overview

  • Greenlaw said Sean Payton runs an “old school” program with six days on, one day off and three-hour practices on Wednesdays and Fridays.
  • He contrasted that with Kyle Shanahan’s approach focused on keeping players fresh, calling the two mindsets completely different.
  • Greenlaw described Denver’s playbook as feeling like “Spanish” at first, though he noted he became more comfortable over time.
  • He was limited to 10 of 18 games including playoffs and totaled 43 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble.
  • Despite integration challenges, Denver led the NFL with 68 sacks, ranked sixth in defensive EPA and held opposing QBs to the third-lowest QBR, with safety Talanoa Hufanga also citing the scheme’s complexity.