“I would tell you that we expect [Javonte] to be ready by the start of training camp. And that’s good news.” -Sean Payton
Sounds like 100% “Coach Speak” BS and did the question specify 2023??
I will have to disagree with your sir.
Yes to a degree it's coachspeak but I think if you really look at some of the phrasing he used it's extremely encouraging. I'm more positive about Javonte next year then I've been at any point this off-season.
Fair to disagree. But I think you would agree the message is not consistent in "recovery". If the early diagnosis was severe or potential career threatening, and now they are "encouraged that he will
return sometime in 2023, whenever that will be".
But since Payton has arrived, there has been fewer clear reports on his status or timeline for return.
Payton's comments early in the off-season were not consistent because I think at the time they were less sure. Payton kind of referenced that yesterday.
I don't think the Broncos ever put out any messaging it was career ending or worse then Dobbins. If I"m wrong, and I may be, please let me know. That's was just speculation by people outside the building as far as I know. I personally have thought it was similar to Dobbins, not worse, have hung tight to Javonte in dynasty, but generally speaking avoiding at cost in redrafts. So I feel like I've been properly not rushing into positivity over coach or GM speak. This again is different to me.
I just thought some of the comments this time were a little more pointed and more positive and that this is also backed up by their actions is something I think should be paid more attention to and I'll be specific.
The basic part about they are hopeful he can start training camp not on the PNP report is somewhat standard coach-speak but it's also kind of positive because the discussion right now is not on "if he'll be available week one" it's "if he'll be able to practice when camps open". Payton also explained he's making that comment based on the daily reports he is getting on Williams so it's not like he's just pulling stuff out of air.
I found Payton referring to Javonte as "our starting RB' as a really nice endorsement. May seem like not much and maybe that's the case but he did not coach Javonte, owes him nothing, this regime signed Perine and I think most coaches would have indicated it was more of an open comp at the top RB spot, throw some we'll see how it all plays in camp mumbo jumbo instead of labeling Javonte as "our starter". Again maybe nothing. I am for sure trying to read between the lines and maybe I'm misreading but this is where I'm at with it.
Lastly, and this is my most encouraging part, was part of this response from Payton on why they signed Perine:
"When we signed him (in March),
there was still uncertainty (with Williams), and I was taught a long time ago to stack them at that position because it’s a tough position in our league.”
That comment was huge to me and might even answer some of your concerns about the inconsistent earlier messaging I indicated earlier. But the way I read that is in March they truly were uncertain and that is not the case now as that reads to me as that uncertainty is past tense. That is backed up by their actions which did not involve signing any other RB's including an old vet like Latavius who Payton knows and then not addressing RB at all in the draft.
For sure a lot of like I said, trying to read between the lines, but it's the off-season and this is what I do and I"m encouraging by Payton's comments and the teams actions.