Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton still isn’t revealing why he lambasted quarterback Russell Wilson during Saturday’s loss to the Detroit Lions.
“Nothing more to share,” Payton said of the heated sideline interaction Monday, per The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel. “It’s certainly in-game intensity and heat of the moment.” He also insisted he and Wilson have a “great relationship.”
Payton asked if he felt the need to address that moment and he said, “No, not at all.”
The incident suggests the opposite. While Payton was upset over an offensive offside penalty on the Detroit one-yard line, it’s not clear why he would lash out at Wilson.
“Tell you what, Payton ain’t telling me that his childish little tantrum directed at Wilson isn’t any of my business,” wrote Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post. “The most critical piece of football business the Broncos have going forward is whether a partnership between this coach and this quarterback can make Denver a Super Bowl contender.”
Wilson is a reason Denver (7-7) has a chance to make the playoffs. The 35-year-old has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 2,832 yards, 24 TDs and an above-average 97.5 passer rating. He also leads the league in fourth-quarter comebacks (four), per Pro Football Reference.
Payton should stop trying to send a message to the QB. He doesn’t want to crush his confidence and derail the team’s playoff hopes.
Per the New York Times simulator, the Broncos’ postseason chances fell to 21 percent after the 42-17 defeat to Detroit. However, thanks to a favorable schedule, they’re still in a good position. Tankathon notes they have the league’s second-easiest remaining schedule.
The organization hasn’t made the playoffs since 2015. Ending this drought would be a massive win for the HC.