While Russell Wilson was receiving a game ball in the visitors’ locker room on Sunday, Sean Payton was taking the blame for the Denver Broncos’ struggling offense, which is a big reason for their second consecutive 0-2 start.
“I just finished telling the coaches that that side of the ball needs to get cleaned up. That starts with me,” Payton said after Denver’s 13-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite allowing only 110 passing yards to Wilson’s backup, Justin Fields.
“We have to start really looking at who we are asking to do what,” Payton said.
This should begin with deciding who receives the ball from quarterback Bo Nix.
Payton has been hoping for a better running game, and with rookie Audric Estime out, practice squad player Tyler Badie seemed to provide a solution when he ran for 16 yards up the middle midway through the second quarter on Sunday.
Badie didn’t get another carry.
After that, Javonte Williams ran nine times for 10 yards, Jaleel McLaughlin had one run for 7 yards, and Nix gained 5 yards on a designed run.
When asked Monday why Badie didn’t get another chance after his impressive run, Payton didn’t have an easy answer.
“Fair question. When we had the additional spot and obviously with Audric down, then it’s about trying to find touches for the third back,” Payton said. “It’s much easier with a rotation of two.”
