Broncos' Sean Payton defends playcalls, aims to teach team how to close out games

Alex Parker

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Broncos face criticism for playcalling in victory against Panthers

Why it matters: The Denver Broncos' decision to attempt a fake field goal and complete a fourth-down pass in the fourth quarter of their 28-14 victory against the Carolina Panthers has sparked controversy and accusations of running up the score.

What's new: The Broncos' playcalling in the late stages of the game has drawn criticism from Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, who accused the Broncos of trying to run up the score. However, Broncos head coach Sean Payton defended the playcalls, stating that they were aimed at effectively finishing the game and teaching his team how to close out games.

Yes, but: While the Broncos' intentions may have been to secure the win and develop a winning mentality, their aggressive playcalling has ignited a debate about sportsmanship and ethical considerations in professional football.

  • The Broncos attempted a fake field goal in the fourth quarter with a 28-7 lead.
  • They completed a fourth-down pass on the same drive to extend it further.

The bottom line: The Broncos' playcalling decisions have sparked controversy and raised questions about the ethics of running up the score in professional football. As the team seeks to establish a winning mentality, they must also consider the potential consequences and perceptions of their actions.

What to watch: The response from the NFL community and whether the Broncos will adjust their approach in future games to avoid similar controversies.

  • Other teams have faced criticism for running up the score in the past, highlighting the sensitivity of the issue.
  • The outcome of the Broncos' upcoming games and whether their playcalling strategy evolves based on the recent backlash.

What's next: The Broncos will need to navigate the balance between securing victories and maintaining good sportsmanship as they continue their season.

  • The team's coaching staff may reassess their approach to game management and playcalling in order to avoid further controversy.
  • The Broncos' performance in future games will be closely scrutinized, particularly their late-game decisions.

The big picture: The incident involving the Broncos and Panthers serves as a reminder that sportsmanship and ethical considerations remain important aspects of professional football.

  • Coaches and players must strike a balance between competitiveness and respect for opponents.
  • The incident also highlights the challenges faced by teams in maintaining a winning mentality while navigating potential controversies.
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