13 September 2023 , 13:36
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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was left lamenting the lack of possessions during the team's 17-16 home Week 1 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Payton was back on the NFL sidelines for the first time since announcing his coaching retirement in January 2022. Despite the low possession count, Denver did get off to a strong start.
Quarterback Russell Wilson found wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Lil'Jordan Humphrey with five-yard passes for touchdowns to take a 13-10 half-time lead. However, after a scoreless third quarter from both teams, the Broncos lost it during the fourth.
After extending their advantage to six with a 24-yard field goal from placekicker Wil Lutz, they let Jimmy Garoppolo find Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers for a touchdown. Daniel Carlson then kicked for the late lead.
The day after the one-point loss, Payton addressed reporters about the unique nature of the season opener. “It’s unusual in that it’s rare both teams end up with just six possessions,” the Broncos coach said.
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“In other words, points then become at a premium. Generally speaking, you’re between 10 and 12 possessions a game.
"Part of it was a result of both teams having long, sustained drives, overcoming some third downs, and maybe some penalties to keep drives moving. It was a little unusual that way.”
Payton could not help but point to the lack of possessionsPayton also considered that their lack of offensive options played a part in their lack of drives. “Certainly, you miss [receiver Jerry Jeudy] and you miss [tight end] Greg [Dulcich],” he added.
“The other thing, we got a little bit more — a lot more — soft zone coverage. To Russ [Wilson’s] credit, the ball came down underneath a number of times when it needed to.
"It’s that back and forth. You’re waiting for the down safety looks, you’re waiting for the opportunities that maybe provide you those chances down the field, but I would say a little bit more shell [coverage] than expected and force the throws to come underneath.”
Despite the defeat, Payton was pleased with the quarterbacking on display by Wilson. To start his second season on the team, the nine-time Pro Bowler threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions.
However, he was sacked multiple times for the 16th consecutive game, extending the longest active streak in the league. But the Broncos coach was more concerned with their lack of turnovers and superior rushing against the Raiders.
“It was unique that way in a game where you didn’t have the same amount of possessions you were used to, and then the margins quickly shift,” Payton said. “If you told me we were going to win the turnover battle [or] we were going to win the rushing battle against that team, I would’ve been really happy and said that more than likely we were going to win the game, but it wasn’t the case.”