Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos HC Sean Payton calls out offense after brutal loss to Patriots

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/26/23

It's fair to say Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton wasn't in a great mood after Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots (4-11) put a major dent in their playoff hopes.

Per The New York Times simulator, Denver only has a six percent chance to make the postseason. On Tuesday, Payton acknowledged it's unlikely the Broncos will snap their eight-year playoff drought and lambasted the offense.

#Broncos HC Sean Payton: "Right now we're average to below average in a lot of things offensively, and it's not good enough."
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) December 26, 2023

While the Broncos offense has improved slightly under Payton, it's underwhelmed throughout the season. Denver (7-8) ranks 14th in the league in rushing yards (110.7), 25th in passing yards (187.5) and 16th in points per game (21.8).

Some of the blame falls on the HC. The Broncos average five yards per play, 22nd in the NFL, which proves Payton's scheme isn't working.

However, Denver's receiving corps lacks big-play ability. Aside from star wide receiver Courtland Sutton —who's third in the league in receiving TDs (10 on 58 receptions) — no Bronco has four or more receiving TDs or 50 or more receptions.

To help the team acquire playmakers, quarterback Russell Wilson should take a pay cut. The 35-year-old is in the second year of a five-year, $242.5M contract that's devouring cap space. Spotrac estimates the Broncos will be $20.9M over the cap in 2024.

If he's unwilling, the franchise should mull moving on and drafting a replacement. The 33rd Team's Connor Livesay predicted the Broncos will select Michigan's J.J. McCarthy with the 14th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

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