Sure, Sean Payton would like responsible the Denver Broncos’ stagnant offense on going through two backup quarterbacks whose groups have been intent on preserving Bo Nix from operating up the rating.
“Yeah, I would prefer to say that, however truthfully, you guys know me nicely sufficient, we will should play higher,” the Broncos head coach mentioned Friday after a spirited observe he in comparison with OTA days with the starters squaring off.
After shedding 34-20 to Jacksonville at house on Dec. 21, snapping their 11-game successful streak, the Broncos received at Arrowhead Stadium for the primary time since 2015 once they beat the Chiefs and their third-string quarterback 20-13 on Christmas evening.
With Justin Herbert and a number of other of his teammates sitting out Week 18, the Broncos beat the Los Angeles Chargers 19-3 however did not rating an offensive landing, going 0 for 3 within the crimson zone.
Nonetheless, these two victories helped safe the highest general seed within the AFC playoffs and the lone first-round bye that comes with it. They will face the bottom remaining seed after wild-card weekend within the divisional spherical subsequent week.
The favored narrative round Broncos Nation is that Payton held again during the last two weeks with conservative calls and vanilla gameplans in order to not present something to opponents heading into the postseason.
“I would like to say that we pulled a bunch again, however the tape from final week wasn’t actually good offensively,” Payton mentioned. “Wasn’t nice in Kansas Metropolis, both. It was adequate to win that recreation. However no, we have to be sharper. As we get to those subsequent video games right here we will see good groups that may rating and we will see (stingy) defenses.”
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Bo Nix (10) in the course of the first half of an NFL soccer recreation towards the Los Angeles Chargers in Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Denver. Credit score: AP/Eric Lutzens
That is why the Broncos did not simply undergo the motions Friday once they reconvened after a 72-hour break to relaxation their minds and our bodies following a 14-3 season.
“I mentioned to them, ‘Look, I don’t need to exit and simply fill in in the present day, or simply fill in time. I’ll be trustworthy with you, our third-down numbers trouble me on either side of the ball,'” Payton recounted. “We will enhance in that space.
“These video games are going to return all the way down to the 2-minute. I need these to be aggressive, all proper? After which I actually need to work our crimson zone offense and protection.”
So, the Broncos did not observe with the Chargers, Steelers, Texans or Payments in thoughts — these are the 4 groups they might face first within the divisional spherical — however have been targeted on execution and energy.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton appears to be like on in the course of the second half of an NFL soccer recreation towards the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Denver. Credit score: AP/David Zalubowski
“Yeah, I used to be just a little salty final week,” Payton mentioned, referencing some harsh phrases he had for a columnist who made a wisecrack at his postgame information convention. “It wasn’t simply (the columnist). I used to be simply salty.”
Payton is of the mindset that the largest profit to having the highest seed is having to win simply two video games to succeed in the Tremendous Bowl as a substitute of three. Nonetheless, the remainder and 4 days off have been a lot wanted and appreciated.
“It was good,” proper deal with Mike McGlinchey mentioned. “It was nice to get relaxation and be capable of sit back and revel in some household time this week. My spouse and I are about 2 1/2 weeks away from our second (little one), so it is good. We’re nesting just a little bit. However, no, it was good. Bought the physique proper, get some therapy, get some exercises in in the course of the week after which in the present day was good, clear, get to type of knock the rust off, get some lengthy particular person work in after which compete just a little bit.”
McGlinchey concurred along with his coach that the movie overview was uncomfortable and chock stuffed with caveats.
“In the beginning, the apparent factor is executing within the crimson zone,” he mentioned. “You have to flip discipline objectives into touchdowns and that is the way you win video games, particularly this late within the 12 months and particularly as you undergo the playoffs. Bought to be higher on third down — by being higher on first and second down. … We have simply go to wash up particulars and we’ll be tremendous.”
After one other related observe Saturday, the Broncos will return to work both Monday or Tuesday, relying on when their first recreation is.
“You play nice groups within the playoffs, that is the underside line,” McGlinchey mentioned. “It does not matter who we play. Whoever’s going to return to city right here goes to be an awesome problem for us and we’ll cross that bridge after we get there.”
NOTES: Payton mentioned he anticipated ILB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) to return in the course of the playoffs, however added he wasn’t able to make a prediction concerning the return of RB J.Okay. Dobbins from Lisfranc foot surgical procedure.
