Sean Payton Makes Broncos’ Super Bowl Expectations Clear After Packers Win

Sean Payton didn’t mince words after the Denver Broncos clinched a playoff berth with their 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers. 

As Sports Illustrated noted, while the accomplishment marked another milestone in Denver’s remarkable season, Payton was quick to reframe the moment and look at the bigger picture. 

“Yes, it’s nice to clinch a playoff berth,” Payton said postgame. 

“Goal one is try to go win your division. Goal two is try to get the best seed, and then goal three is try to win a world championship.” 

He added “so we still haven’t really accomplished one, two or three. We’re still going.” 

The comments underscored a theme Payton has consistently preached that progress is appreciated, but satisfaction is not permitted. 

The Broncos may be the first AFC team into the postseason, but Payton’s message was clear that the real work is just beginning. 

Winning a Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for Payton and Broncos. 

Win Over Packers Highlights Broncos’ Growth 

Denver’s win over Green Bay wasn’t just another win, it was a statement performance, particularly from quarterback Bo Nix.

The second-year QB delivered one the best games of his young career, completing 23 of 34 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover or a sack.

His 134.7 passer rating reflected an offense operating with confidence and precision.

On a day when Denver’s defense surrendered six scoring drives, Nix and the offense carried the team. 

This was a welcome sight to see as it has usually been the opposite for a lot of this season as the defense has been dominant. 

The Broncos extended their winning streak to 11 games and have not lost a game since September. 

They improved to 12-2, positioning themselves atop the AFC playoff picture as New England lost to the Bills on Sunday. 

Nix echoed his head coach’s mindset after the game, acknowledging the significance of the moment while emphasizing what still lies ahead. 

“This was our first goal, we wanted to get to the playoffs,” Nix said.

“That’s the only way to get further is to make the tournament. Now it’s about the next goal.” 

Super Bowl Aspirations Start With Control of the AFC

With three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Broncos control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. 

A two-game lead in the AFC West and a narrow edge in the race for the No. 1 seed puts Denver in prime position to secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason. 

This is an extremely a critical factor in their Super Bowl run. 

Having the chance to only play at home is extremely valuable but especially in Denver. 

The altitude and the noise make it one of the hardest places to play in the NFL. 

According to Next Gen Stats, the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth has reached the Super Bowl in each of the past three seasons, a trend Denver is hoping to extend. 

Denver looks to continue that trend. 

For Payton, the hierarchy of goals remains unchanged. 

The Broncos haven’t won the division yet. They haven’t locked up the top seed. And they certainly haven’t won a championship.

But yesterday’s big win over the Packers was certainly a big step to accomplishing those goals.

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