Sean Payton: ‘Big-play fest’ ‘was not pretty,’ but Broncos did what we had to do
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sean Payton wasn’t pleased with the way his Denver Broncos played in their 32-23 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but he was happy with the result.
“It was not pretty,” Payton said. “But we did what we had to do to win the game.”
The Broncos were outgained by the Panthers 431 yards to 302, and they turned the ball over twice. But they also forced three turnovers of their own, and they made several big plays in the passing game.
Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. Jeudy’s touchdown catch came on a 49-yard pass from Wilson in the third quarter, which gave the Broncos a 17-10 lead.
“We hit some big plays today,” Payton said. “But we also had some drops and some penalties. We need to be more consistent if we want to be a playoff team.”
The Broncos’ defense also played a big role in the victory. They forced three turnovers, including two interceptions by cornerback Pat Surtain II. Surtain’s first interception came in the first quarter, and it set up the Broncos’ first touchdown.
“Our defense played great today,” Payton said. “They got us some turnovers, and they kept us in the game.”
The Broncos are now 2-1 on the season, and they are tied for first place in the AFC West. They will host the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday.
Broncos’ big plays make the difference
The Broncos’ offense struggled to move the ball consistently on Sunday, but they made several big plays in the passing game that helped them win the game.
Wilson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, and he completed passes to eight different receivers. Jeudy was his favorite target, as he had six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos also got big plays from wide receivers Courtland Sutton and KJ Hamler. Sutton had a 42-yard catch in the first quarter, and Hamler had a 30-yard catch in the third quarter.
“We hit some big plays today,” Payton said. “But we also had some drops and some penalties. We need to be more consistent if we want to be a playoff team.”
Broncos’ defense forces three turnovers
The Broncos’ defense played a big role in the victory by forcing three turnovers. Surtain had two interceptions, and linebacker Josey Jewell had a fumble recovery.
Surtain’s first interception came in the first quarter, and it set up the Broncos’ first touchdown. His second interception came in the fourth quarter, and it sealed the victory for the Broncos.
“Our defense played great today,” Payton said. “They got us some turnovers, and they kept us in the game.”
Broncos look ahead to Raiders game
The Broncos are now 2-1 on the season, and they are tied for first place in the AFC West. They will host the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday.
The Raiders are 0-3 on the season, but they have a talented roster. They are led by quarterback Derek Carr, running back Josh Jacobs, and wide receiver Davante Adams.
“The Raiders are a good team,” Payton said. “They have a lot of talented players. We need to be ready to play our best game of the season.”