Sean Payton Criticizes Broncos’ Major Issue Following Playoff Defeat
The Denver Broncos faced significant challenges during the 2023 season, culminating in a disappointing playoff defeat against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. A critical issue that plagued the team throughout the year was dropped passes.
Sean Payton Addresses Broncos’ Receivers Issue
Following the loss, Broncos head coach Sean Payton openly discussed the team’s recurring problems with dropped passes. His remarks came during a press conference where he evaluated quarterback Jarrett Stidham’s performance and acknowledged his own shortcomings as a coach. Payton remarked, “We didn’t finish some runs, and we dropped some passes. Again, felt like that was a problem all year.”
Context of Dropped Passes
This candid admission marked a shift in Payton’s previous stance. A year prior, he had been asked by Kay Adams about the team’s most pressing need, to which he responded that acquiring a “Joker” for the offense was more vital than adding a wide receiver. Though he pursued players like Evan Engram and RJ Harvey, the results did not solve the underlying issue. The Broncos struggled with dropped passes, ranking second in the league behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Key Players and Statistics
The problem extended to multiple players on the roster. Notably, Courtland Sutton led the team in dropped passes, while Troy Franklin contributed to the overall frustration. Both Evan Engram and Lil’Jordan Humphrey also exhibited drop issues, particularly in crucial playoff moments.
- Bo Nix had the fifth-highest lost yardage due to dropped passes among quarterbacks.
- Denver ranked second in the league for total drops.
- Rumors circulated about the Broncos pursuing star receivers like Stefon Diggs and Jaylen Waddle.
Looking Ahead for the Broncos
As the Broncos move forward, the need for reliable receivers is paramount. Sean Payton’s assessment of the situation points to a necessary overhaul in the wide receiver room. The team must address its personnel challenges to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the 2026 season.
