ENGLEWOOD — Don’t call it a rebuild.

The Broncos head into Week 1 on a youth movement following the 53-man roster cut with plenty of untested talent backing up key positions. The Broncos have not made the postseason since 2015, and they will start rookie quarterback Bo Nix on Sept. 8 against the Seahawks.

But ask inside linebacker Alex Singleton and that specific word — rebuild — is not being thrown around at Broncos Park.

“No. We’ve got to win football games,” Singleton said Wednesday following practice. “We’re trying to win now. If a player, coach, or anyone stood up here and told you they’re rebuilding, they would probably be full of (crap). That would (stink). I’m 30. I would be very disappointed.”

Singleton, 30, enters his sixth NFL season and third with the Broncos. The Montana State product set a personal best last year with 177 combined tackles; plus four pass deflections, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. Singleton believes the best leadership style is by example to help develop younger players.

“If I can go out on that first drive and have a play, hit somebody (and) make something happen, all the guys are like: ‘Alright. We’ve started. That’s the kind of energy we have to match,’” Singleton said. “That’s what you do with the young guys. You’ve just got to show them how to play the game.”

Williams explains confidence

Javonte Williams said this “is the best I’ve felt in a minute” ahead of the opener in Seattle. The fourth-year running back endured a torn ACL in the 2022 season and recovered to post 774 rushing yards last year. Williams is now ready to improve on his rookie rushing total (903 yards) as the Broncos featured running back in 2024.

“I can’t wait, honestly,” Williams said. “Just getting back out there on the field in front of the crowd … against a real opponent that’s going to actually count against our record, I’m ready to get to it.”

Williams, 24, further explained the source of his confidence.

“Just being healthy,” Williams said. “Another thing I feel like goes along with confidence is just knowing what you’re doing on the field. Your run plays, pass plays and knowing who to block. Getting the pre-snap read. Just seeing the little, small things.”

Briefly

Coach Sean Payton discussed one important variable for the upcoming season: “We can’t get off to the start we did a year ago and dig ourselves in a hole. I think that’s important.” … The Broncos practice on Thursday before a three-day break between Friday and Sunday. Payton said: “We have a few guys that are getting treatment. It just gives you a better chance to get your players to the game.” … Payton lauded ex-Air Force defensive end Jordan Jackson for making the 53-man roster. Payton said: “We saw development. … We saw it in practice, we saw it in the game. I would say we’re a little bit more one-gap driven now. I think that’s benefited him. In other words, he can get to an edge. So we were encouraged. He wasn’t a borderline decision.”