The Denver Broncos are enjoying some much-reserved downtime as one of the teams with a later bye week than most. However, even in the absence of a game this week, Broncos head coach Sean Payton received good news in the form of radio silence.
Payton received a penalty in the Broncos’ last outing, a one-score victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11. The standard procedures meant having to wait to find out if he was clear.
As the saying goes, no news is good news for Payton.
Sean Payton Avoids Punishment From NFL Despite Penalty in Broncos Game
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the field after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the third quarter of the win over the Chiefs, Payton was standing on the sideline when a referee made contact, sending the Broncos’ head coach stumbling. The referee was chasing an interception by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian.
The play stood. However, Payton was in the restricted area. More importantly, the Broncos were hit with a 15-yard “unsportsmanlike conduct” penalty during the game.
According to the NFL Football Operations portal, though, Payton was not fined.
Moreover, 9News’ Mike Klis noted on X that there were no fines levied by the league against Broncos or Chiefs players despite a game that saw 20 penalties accepted, including 10 for 147 yards against the Broncos.
According to the league, unsportsmanlike conduct penalties can cost up to $20,288, while making contact with an official can cost up to $81,374.
It was the second UC penalty on Payton, who is no stranger to NFL discipline, this season.
The first came during Week 7 against the New York Giants. Broncos cornerback Riley Moss was flagged for defensive pass interference during the fourth quarter of an eventual 33-32 Denver win.
Payton, disproving of the call, ran onto the field to confront the official, drawing the flag. He was not fined over that incident either.
Sean Payton Rips Media Narratives
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton reacts against the New York Giants.
Payton was fired up after the Broncos defeated the Chiefs, aiming his ire at some of the narratives surrounding his team, which is tied with the New England Patriots for not just the best record in the AFC, but the entire NFL.
Payton fielded a question about getting his teams to play up to their competition. That is even when they are short-handed, as they were against the Chiefs.
The Broncos did not have Alex Singleton, Ben Powers, J.K. Dobbins, or Pat Surtain II.
“It’s not me; It’s training your culture,” Payton said on November 16, relaying an anecdote from legendary former head coach Nick Saban. “Sometimes you got to pass on something that might look attractive. But it’s finding those guys that can tune out the noise.
“There’s been a lot of noise. Like, a lot of just – I won’t comment on it. But anyway. And I hear some of the narratives, and I just want to like cry. But anyway, it is what it is. That’s your jobs. But our jobs are to focus on the wins, and to focus on – there’s a way to win each game, and the players deserve a chance to have that. And so, sometimes that can vary. But in a game where a lot of guys were banged up, and they were fully healthy, it’s a big win.”
Payton and the Broncos will return from their bye to face the Washington Commanders (3-8) in Week 13.
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