Sean Payton Sends Blunt Message to Broncos Special Teams After Sloppy Win Over Texans

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t mince words after his team’s 18-15 win over the Houston Texans. 

As Denver Sports 104.3 noted, despite moving to 7-2, Payton expressed frustration with the Broncos’ special teams performance, a unit once considered one of the league’s best but now under scrutiny after repeated mistakes.

“All of that, without watching on tape, my concern was just the late subs. It was a little bit sloppy in the kicking game,” Payton said postgame. “We’ll get that cleaned up, or we’ll find someone else who can do it.”

Despite a 34-yard field goal from Wil Lutz that won the Broncos the game as time expired, Payton’s comments made clear that execution errors on special teams overshadowed the victory. 

Special Teams Struggles 

Through nine games, Denver’s special teams have regressed under new coordinator Darren Rizzi, who replaced Ben Kotwica after the 2024 season. 

While Lutz has remained reliable, converting over 90% of his field goal attempts, the unit as a whole has been inconsistent.

Sunday’s game in Houston highlighted the issues:

A 51-yard field goal attempt was blocked early, costing Denver an opportunity to seize early momentum.

Then, a muffed punt deep in their own territory late in the first half gifted the Texans three points. 

And lastly, a poorly executed kickoff and miscues from long snapper Mitchell Fraboni compounded the sloppiness.

Payton emphasized that the coaching wasn’t to blame, instead calling out players for failing to be ready on time during substitutions and for mental lapses in key moments. 

His tone signaled accountability and possible roster adjustments if things don’t get turned around soon. 

Payton doubled down on his message, warning that if mistakes continue, he won’t hesitate to make changes: “We’ll get that cleaned up, or we’ll find someone else who can do it.”

Broncos Outlook: 7-2 but Still Far Away

While Denver sits atop the AFC West standings at 7-2, the record doesn’t tell the full story.

Several wins have come down to late-game heroics or critical defensive stands rather than complete performances. 

They’ve played sloppy football in many close wins against bad teams this season, including close calls over the Titans, Giants and Jets. 

The Broncos’ special teams woes have surfaced multiple times this season, including a game where a late special teams penalty cost them a win against the Colts. 

Payton’s comments after the game suggest that patience is wearing thin.

The Broncos face the Raiders on Thursday night, followed by a mini-bye before their first matchup with the Chiefs. 

That short stretch could serve as a critical evaluation period for personnel changes or roster moves. 

Adding to the complications, Pro Bowl returner Marvin Mims Jr. missed Sunday’s game due to a concussion, leaving the unit without one of its most dynamic playmakers. 

His absence was felt, but Payton made clear that mental errors, not injuries, were the root of his concern.

“It was a little sloppy,” Payton reiterated. “That’s not who we are and it won’t continue.”

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