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When the Los Angeles Chargers kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired on September 22, 2024, to beat the Denver Broncos 23-20 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the immediate narrative was clear: Bo Nix, the 24-year-old rookie quarterback, had blown it. Two deep throws to Courtland Sutton — one in the second quarter, another with 1:51 left in the fourth — sailed just beyond his grasp. Fans, analysts, and social media erupted. But Sean Payton, the 60-year-old head coach of the Broncos, didn’t even blink. "Driving in today, that would be like 50th on my to-do list," he said on Monday, September 23, at the team’s practice facility in Englewood, Colorado. The overthrows? Not the problem. The real issues? They’re deeper, messier, and far more dangerous.
What Really Killed the Broncos
The final score tells only part of the story. The Broncos lost because they gave up field position like it was free. They punted five times, with Sam Martin’s average of 43.3 yards per kick doing little to help. Meanwhile, the Chargers’ offense started drives inside Broncos territory three times — including the game-winning drive that began at their own 37-yard line after a short punt. That’s not bad luck. That’s systemic failure. Denver was flagged 10 times for 92 yards, including a critical holding call on third-and-8 that killed a potential scoring drive in the third quarter. Their third-down conversion rate? A dismal 5-of-14 (35.7%). In the red zone? One touchdown in two tries. This isn’t about one bad throw. It’s about a team that can’t get out of its own way.
Payton’s Defense of Bo Nix
Payton didn’t just brush off the overthrows — he dissected them. "I think you’ve got to be careful you’re not overcoaching the deep ball that’s going off the fingertips," he said. "The more concerning problem would be if you’re leaving those balls inside where they’re susceptible for an interception." And he’s right. Nix’s throws weren’t wild; they were high, tight, and just out of reach. Sutton, a 6’4” veteran with elite contested-catch ability, was wide open on the final play, beating Michael Davis cleanly. The ball was thrown where Sutton could have gone up for it — but just a couple of inches too high. Nix himself admitted it: "If I had to do it again, I would have taken a little bit more time, held onto it maybe a count longer." That’s not panic. That’s awareness. Payton praised Nix’s pocket movement, his ability to climb and extend plays under pressure — especially on third-and-long situations where most rookies fold. "He’s doing a great job," Payton emphasized. "Those aren’t the throws that keep me up at night. The penalties? The red zone? The field position? Those are the ones that do."
The Bigger Picture: A Team in Disarray
It’s easy to blame the quarterback when the offense stalls. But look at the bigger picture. The Broncos’ offense has averaged just 21.7 points per game this season — well below league average. Their offensive line has allowed 11 sacks in three games. Their running game? Averaging 3.6 yards per carry. And their special teams? One of the worst in the NFL, with four punts inside the 20-yard line this season — and zero touchbacks. The YouTube analysts were right to point out the 130 yards in penalties from the previous week against the Raiders. That’s not a fluke. That’s a culture problem. The Broncos are playing with fire. Every delay-of-game, every holding call, every untimely false start — they’re handing opponents short fields. And in the AFC West, where every game is a war, that’s suicide.
Who’s Really to Blame?
The Chargers, meanwhile, are a machine. They’re 3-0, having swept all three AFC West rivals — beating the Chiefs 23-20, the Raiders 63-21, and now the Broncos 23-20. They’ve got a dynamic offense led by Justin Herbert, a defense that forces turnovers, and a coaching staff that doesn’t blink under pressure. The Broncos? They’re the team that’s falling apart at the seams. Payton knows it. The players know it. The front office knows it. But the media? They’re still fixated on Nix’s deep balls. That’s the real tragedy. While everyone’s watching the tip of the iceberg, the ship is sinking beneath it.
What’s Next? The Patriots Game
On September 29, the Broncos host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. It’s not just a game. It’s a referendum. Can Payton fix the penalties? Can Nix improve his timing under pressure? Can the offense finally convert on third down? The Patriots, at 1-2, are far from elite — but they’re disciplined, smart, and opportunistic. If Denver shows up with the same penalties, same field position woes, same red zone inefficiency? They’ll lose again. And this time, the pressure won’t just be on Nix. It’ll be on Payton. On the coordinators. On the entire organization.
Why This Matters Beyond Denver
This isn’t just about one team. It’s about how we consume sports. We love the drama of the big mistake — the overthrow, the fumble, the missed kick. But real football is won by discipline, execution, and consistency. The Chargers didn’t win because Herbert threw a perfect spiral. They won because they didn’t beat themselves. The Broncos are losing because they keep shooting themselves in the foot. Payton’s honesty is refreshing. He’s not hiding behind the rookie. He’s naming the real problems. That’s leadership. And if the Broncos are ever going to climb out of the AFC West basement, they need more of it — not more blame on Nix’s arm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sean Payton downplaying Bo Nix’s overthrows?
Payton believes the overthrows were minor errors in high-pressure situations, not systemic flaws. He’s more concerned with interceptions, which would be far more damaging. His analysis shows Nix’s mechanics are sound — he’s climbing the pocket well and making smart decisions under duress. The real issues lie in penalties, field position, and red zone efficiency, which have cost the Broncos more than any single throw.
How bad are the Broncos’ penalty problems?
The Broncos have been flagged 23 times for 184 yards in their first three games — among the worst in the NFL. Against the Chargers alone, they were penalized 10 times for 92 yards, including critical holds and false starts that killed drives. In Week 2 against the Raiders, they were called for 130 yards in penalties. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re a pattern that’s draining momentum and giving opponents short fields.
Is Bo Nix really ready to be the Broncos’ long-term QB?
Nix’s arm strength and poise under pressure are promising for a rookie. He’s shown he can make tough throws and extend plays — something many veteran QBs struggle with. But consistency, especially on intermediate routes and timing throws, remains a work in progress. The team’s offensive line and play-calling also need to improve to support him. He’s not the problem — yet. But the supporting cast is failing him.
What’s the biggest threat to the Broncos’ playoff hopes?
The AFC West is brutal. The Chargers are 3-0 and have swept all division rivals. The Chiefs are 2-1 and still elite. The Broncos are already three games back. To catch up, they need to win at least six of their next eight games — and that’s only possible if they fix their penalties, improve red zone efficiency, and stop giving up field position. Their schedule doesn’t get easier after the Patriots.
Has Sean Payton ever turned a team around like this before?
Yes. After taking over the New Orleans Saints in 2006, Payton inherited a 3-13 team. He overhauled the culture, cleaned up discipline issues, and built a championship roster — winning Super Bowl XLIV in 2009. He didn’t just fix the quarterback; he fixed the entire system. The Broncos are at a similar crossroads. Payton knows what it takes. Now, he needs his players to buy in.
What should fans look for in the Patriots game?
Watch the penalties — if Denver has fewer than five flags, that’s progress. Watch third-down conversions — they need to hit 50% or better. Watch the punt return game — they’ve given up two long returns already. And watch Nix’s decision-making on deep throws. If he’s taking what the defense gives him instead of forcing it, that’s a sign the team is maturing. Winning isn’t the only goal — improvement is.