Broncos HC: Why sideline exchange with rookie QB Bo Nix wasn't a negative

"Absolutely. Absolutely," Payton said, via Andrew Mason of KKFN-FM in Denver. "All good. All good. It's the heat of the moment. It's the game. It's competitive. He's fiery. Look, we're in the business of passion. We're looking for passion, and we're looking for people who have passion for the game, not other things. And I think that it's so important to him. And so, yeah, again, I loved his response. And we're on to the next play, and it's nothing."

Last season, Payton screamed at former Broncos QB Russell Wilson during a Week 15 loss to the Detroit Lions. After Denver lost to the New England Patriots in Week 16, Payton benched Wilson for the season's final two games and cut him in March.

Unlike the incident with Wilson, the spat between Payton and Nix doesn't seem to signal there's deep-seated tension. 

Both joked about it during their postgame news conferences. Payton compared Nix to Ferris Bueller, the protagonist in the 1980s movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," pointing out that both have mischievous tendencies. 

Meanwhile, Nix said, "[Payton] turned and looked at me and said, 'I love you,' and I said, 'I love you, too." 

Nix proving he isn't afraid of Payton may be a positive. During a recent appearance on FS1's "The Herd," former Saints QB Drew Brees — who starred under Payton for 15 seasons in New Orleans — noted the HC likes fiery signal-callers. 

"Be just as demanding right back to him," Brees said. "Sean likes that. Sean wants to see you confident and sure."  

Additionally, Nix could build more trust throughout the locker room. Teammates will likely respect a QB who occasionally stands up to his coach. 

Nix is making it clear he's not going to be pushed around, which could be one reason the Broncos have won three straight games after an 0-2 start. During the streak, the 12th overall pick has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 482 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.