Head coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos outlasted the Washington Commanders in overtime, notching a 27-26 victory. It is the Broncos’ ninth straight win and 10th of the 2025 regular season.
Afterward, Payton made it clear how the Broncos won and where they are trying to go.
Moreover, Payton spoke candidly about his quarterback, Bo Nix, who delivered in critical situations, particularly when the Broncos needed it the most.
Sean Payton Drops Truth About Broncos’ Win Over Commanders
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on during a game against the Houston Texans.
Payton opened with a reflection on the Broncos’ performance, telling reporters, “When we look at the film, [we] probably did some things we didn’t want to do. But those guys came out and fought hard. So did our guys, and we made a play at the end. That was the difference.”
Payton said that one can look at the regular season of “any Super Bowl team” and they will have won several close contests.
For the Broncos, they were fortunate their quarterback came through in the clutch.
Payton noted that Nix was “fantastic” on the game’s final series, going 4-for-4 for 71 yards and setting up RJ Harvey’s game-winning touchdown run. That series included a game-altering 41-yard connection with tight end Evan Engram, who Payton said “made a great play.”
Payton said the game was “one of Evan’s best” with the Broncos, praising his route on the “huge” play in overtime.
“A lot of guys stepped up,” Payton said.
“They’re a tough out. The quarterback [Marcus Mariota] was able to make some plays. Our third-and-long [defense], again, became an issue. And then, they converted some fourth downs. But we got the play when we needed it.”
Sean Payton: Bo Nix ‘Getting Better & Better’
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos warms up before facing the Kansas City Chiefs
Nix completed 64.4% of his passes, throwing for 321 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception in the Broncos’ win over the Commanders. He had another critical pass at the end of the first half, narrowly getting the ball away to Courtland Sutton for a touchdown, rather than a sack.
“End of half, end of game. Those critical moments. That was an amazing throw. We were worried his knee was down. But he had good poise, good command. Was smart. Good.
Payton was also asked about Nix’s scrambling, not just to run, but also to extend plays.
“He’s just one of those guys. One of the things that we really valued on tape was the foot athlete, and the throws that he can make from some unusual positions,” Payton said. “He played well in a dirty pocket in college. Meaning, in our game, it’s going to be noisy sometimes. And so, you’re seeing some of that carry over. You’re seeing his confidence carry over, and he’s just getting better and better, and we’re operating better.”
Sean Payton Sets Clear Goal
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the San Francisco 49ers.
Payton also fielded what he called the “silliest question” of the session regarding the Broncos’ designs on pursuing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They took over control of the slot after moving into a tie with the New England Patriots at 10-2.
The Patriots face the New York Giants on “Monday Night Football” in Week 13.
“We’re competing for it,” Payton said. “We respect the other teams in our conference, but certainly we’re competing for it.”
Up next for Payton and the Broncos is a road date against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos defeated the Raiders in Week 10 on “Thursday Night Football” and can surpass last season’s win total with a victory over their AFC West rivals.
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