Did Broncos HC Sean Payton use Drew Brees visit as motivation tactic?

While Brees stopping by seems like happenstance, considering Payton's penchant for motivational tactics, there could be more to it. Perhaps he wants to show his players how he can transform their careers if they buy in to his program.

Brees exemplifies this. When he tore his right rotator cuff in 2005, his career teetered on the brink as he only made one Pro Bowl and won no playoff games in five seasons with the Chargers. After he signed with the Saints in 2006, he earned 12 Pro Bowl nods and won a Super Bowl in 15 years with Payton.

Along with Brees, Denver invited other former Broncos to connect with players.

"We had a lot of people in; we had our alumni in today that was really good," Payton said. "They were able to watch practice and spend some time with our players afterward. You know, the lifeblood of your program are the people."

Payton must instill a new winning culture in Denver to end its seven-year playoff drought. Former players coming to practice, such as Brees, help since it inspires confidence in the HC's acumen and methods.

Plus, it reminds the team to stay the course, something it needs after losing each of its first two preseason games by one point.