Sean Payton: Broncos offense was “too inconsistent” around Bo Nix

By Mike Florio

Published September 22, 2025 01:47 PM

The Broncos nearly stole a game from the Chargers on Sunday, even though L.A. statistically dominated.

The Chargers had 29 first downs.

The Broncos had 9.

The Chargers gained 376 yards from scrimmage.

The Broncos gained 265.

So what did Denver coach Sean Payton think of the offensive performance around second-year quarterback Bo Nix?

“I think it was too inconsistent,” Payton told reporters on Monday. “There were too many minus plays. So yesterday was a day that I would say the job degree difficulty factor, it was a hard day to play quarterback when your average third down is third-and-11. If we’re not more efficient on first and second down, the best in our league are going to struggle with the numbers that we gave [Nix] on third down. The thing that stood out was not only the penalties that set you back offensively, but the minus plays. That has to be corrected for us to be a quality offense.”

The loss dropped the Broncos to 1-2. They nevertheless could be 3-0.

“We’re playing the schedule that we got,” Payton said. “Obviously, the last two weeks we’ve played some pretty good football teams. We think we’re one of those teams. . . . We’ve lost two games in a row, two close games with really last-second field goals. It’s disappointing, but we have to learn, ‘Why were these games this close towards the end, and how do we put ourselves in a position to finish better?’ Certainly that’s collectively all of us.”

Payton remains optimistic that things will turn his team’s way.

“There’s a stretch where you begin to win games and you play better,” Payton said. “That’s what’s due for this team. That’s what has to happen for this team. That’s what has to be on our horizon.”

The horizon arrives next Monday night, against the Bengals. But then the Broncos go to Philly on a short week.

Things soften with games against the Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Texans, and Raiders. That could be the best place to get things rolling, before a Week 11 visit from the Chiefs.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/denver-broncos

We are the only winning-record playing on Monday's doubleheader ...

dig the uni combo...

ravens lose.. still in first place in the division.

makes me feel better

3 minutes ago, GoBengals said:

still in first place in the division.

4 minutes ago, BlackJesus said:

5 hours ago, BlackJesus said:

We are the only winning-record playing on Monday's doubleheader ...

Once again, why are the Bengals sharing a MNF game at the same time. Didn't this happen last year too? Unreal

16 minutes ago, TigerJ@w said:

Once again, why are the Bengals sharing a MNF game at the same time. Didn't this happen last year too? Unreal

I thought the idea was to have an east coast and west coast game. Avoid a 4PM Pacific kick-off or the game ending at 1AM Eastern.

Now I'm not sure what the point is, other than the obvious answer for pretty much anything: $$$

10 hours ago, GoBengals said:

dig the uni combo...

ravens lose.. still in first place in the division.

makes me feel better

Yeah, they are in good shape record wise. Still have the uneasy feeling in my stomach.

When we're out of it a month from now and talking draft we'll wish we didn't win those first two games. I hope I'm wrong

Great thread.

Reminded me we play Denver.

I had right day and time on my calendar but wrong team.

Senior moment.

Monday Night Football - Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos, 8:15 PM

If there was ever such a thing as a 'get right game' in the NFL, the Denver Broncos have been gifted one. Before the regular season began, this was primed to be one of the games of the year, but the Broncos have looked sloppy thus far, and the Bengals do not have Joe Burrow.

The Broncos have played quite terribly over the past two weeks but have needed their opponents to kick a walk-off field goal to win, so I guess there's a small silver lining there. The Bengals are simply now a bottom-tier team without Burrow, so with Denver returning home for the first time since Week 1, I reckon that they'll have their best foot forward and play the most complete game they have in quite some time.

Prediction: Broncos win 35-13

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/week-4-nfl-predictions-picks-and-score-predictions-for-primetime-matchups/ar-AA1Nd6R7?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=68d3e88bba6d4150945634aaf36a863d&ei=11

2 hours ago, Arkansas Bengal said:

Monday Night Football - Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos, 8:15 PM

If there was ever such a thing as a 'get right game' in the NFL, the Denver Broncos have been gifted one. Before the regular season began, this was primed to be one of the games of the year, but the Broncos have looked sloppy thus far, and the Bengals do not have Joe Burrow.

The Broncos have played quite terribly over the past two weeks but have needed their opponents to kick a walk-off field goal to win, so I guess there's a small silver lining there. The Bengals are simply now a bottom-tier team without Burrow, so with Denver returning home for the first time since Week 1, I reckon that they'll have their best foot forward and play the most complete game they have in quite some time.

Prediction: Broncos win 35-13

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/week-4-nfl-predictions-picks-and-score-predictions-for-primetime-matchups/ar-AA1Nd6R7?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=68d3e88bba6d4150945634aaf36a863d&ei=11

"They are finished. We will be home by Christmas"

--European Allied commanders, September 1944

---

Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals Week 4 expert picks

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Broncos 23, Bengals 17

"Between Jake Browning and Bo Nix, this can be a sloppy turnover fest. But the Broncos field the better overall defense and Browning is making bigger mistakes than Nix. Denver can win on the ground to take pressure off Nix, while Browning can be swarmed again by a tough pass defense."

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Broncos 25, Bengals 18

"The Bengals had five turnovers in a disastrous 48-10 loss in Week 5. The Broncos are 6-1 ATS as a home favorite since last season – but the pass defense has allowed 288 yards per game the last two weeks. Jake Browning will lead a few scoring drives with Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, but it won't be enough to win on the road."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Broncos 27, Bengals 16

"The Bengals found out what life would be like without Joe Burrow last week in their blowout loss at Minnesota. Now they are back out on the road on a Monday night against a Denver team that has lost two straight on the road. Look for the Broncos to get back on track here behind their defense as Jake Browning struggles again and Bo Nix plays better."

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Broncos 30, Bengals 17

"The Bengals are 2-1, but have been outscored this season, 91-58. They are going to get outscored in this one against a Broncos team that has lost two straight games on last-second field goals. Denver's defense won't let this one come down to a field goal."

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/denver-broncos/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-4-denver-broncos-vs-cincinnati-bengals/c2d7c1d1c16f207eff8e4337

A few notes from Zac Taylor/Al Golden today:

-Dalton Risner (calf) is healthy but his starting spot is up in the air. Taylor says they have "options." That includes Jalen Rivers, who Taylor said he "didn't see anything that alarmed me," in his first real action last week.

-Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) is doing well. They'll manage him through the week, but "the extra day is helpful."

-Shemar Stewart would have a "tough time" going on MNF.

-Taylor echoes comments from Al Golden of being impressed with Myles Murphy and his "violence" after halftime Sunday. "I really believe that could be a big moment for him moving forward," Golden said.

-Golden said Logan Wilson has done a great job getting them ready and set up and Barrett Carter keeps getting better. Carter got extended playing time in mop-up action on Sunday. "We got to keep getting better. Not just Logan, but everybody around him," Golden said.

7 hours ago, Arkansas Bengal said:

-Taylor echoes comments from Al Golden of being impressed with Myles Murphy and his "violence" after halftime Sunday. "I really believe that could be a big moment for him moving forward," Golden said.

That would be great.. and just leave Rivers in there at this point. Big doubts that Wilson is "getting better." He's a 6 year vet, he is what he is... In PFF terms I'd rate him a solid 3.6

Sean Payton wants Bo Nix to “just keep firing”

• By

• Josh Alper

  

Published September 26, 2025 08:20 AM

The Broncos’ 1-2 start has led to some criticism of quarterback Bo Nix and a few missed downfield connections in last Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Chargers were fodder for those who think Nix has not progressed in his second season.

Those misses contributed seven three-and-outs over the course of the game, including two in the fourth quarter that helped the Chargers score the final 10 points of their victory. That might be reason for some coaches to say that quarterbacks have to prioritize easier completions, but Broncos head coach Sean Payton has a different view.

Nix also hit on a 52-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton and the rewards of plays like that are enough for Payton to give a simple command to the quarterback before their Week 4 Monday night matchup with the Bengals.

“Just keep firing. He’s gonna hit plenty of those,” Payton said, via 104.3 The Fan.

Nix said he loves hearing that from Payton because “you don’t want to be afraid of failure” when it comes to trying for big plays. He’ll need to connect on a few more of them for the Broncos to go where they want to go this season, but that can’t happen without taking shots and it seems the Broncos plan to continue doing just that.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/sean-payton-wants-bo-nix-to-just-keep-firing

Kelsey Conway

@KelseyLConway

The #Bengals are pondering another change to the starting lineup at right guard. Fifth-round pick Jalen Rivers is getting reps with the 1s. If he starts, that means the Bengals will be starting 2 rookies on the o-line in Denver.

Dylan Fairchild Speaks On Minnesota Outing as Offensive Line Prepares For Next Brutal Matchup

Fairchild's performance through three games leaves plenty to be desired.

Russ Heltman | 4 Hours Ago

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, center, talks with center Ted Karras (64) and guard Dylan Fairchild (63) during the final minutes agains Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The Bengals move to 2-0 after beating the Jaguars 27-31. / Cara Owsley/ The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Dylan Fairchild echoed the accountability his Bengals offensive line peers have taken on this week following a horrific game on all fronts for that unit in a 48-10 loss to Minnesota.

Fairchild posted the worst performance yet in his short NFL career, logging a career-low 40.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade in the game. He allowed three quarterback pressures and had a lowly 35.7 run-blocking grade.

"I'm gonna just tell you right now, I think we own it up front," Fairchild stated about the day. "That's our job to block people and to create holes and to make it happen. So I put it on our back 1,000%. So it starts with us, and we have to be better. We've got to be more detailed, more keyed in on the fundamentals. And yeah, that's really what it comes down to. It's just the small things, the details."

The details are going to be ultra-imperative this week against a Broncos defensive front that's number one in quarterback pressure rate (39.2%) and sacks this season (12).

It's a massive challenge to overcome a week after the second-best pressure team (the Vikings) stole their lunch money.

"They got a good front," Fairchild noted about Denver. "Their whole defense is really good. They're good rushers. And they're well coached, you know. So I think just taking it again, like detail by detail, moment by moment, that's going to be the key."

Fairchild thrived in pass blocking during the Week 2 win over Jacksonville, but has performed pretty poorly besides that, as Cincinnati somehow fields worse guard play through three games than they did last season.

Any sped-up development from Fairchild showing through this week would be big for the Bengals' offense.

"We all know we need to be better. And they've done a great job of just being leaders of the room and telling us really what we need to do," Fairchild said about the veteran leadership on the offensive line. "Telling us that we need to get better on, those details. We need to be more focused on our just week-to-week preparation.

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/dylan-fairchild-speaks-on-minnesota-outing-as-offensive-line-prepares-for-next-brutal-matchup-01k63ca2kp5a

13 minutes ago, Arkansas Bengal said:

Dylan Fairchild Speaks On Minnesota Outing as Offensive Line Prepares For Next Brutal Matchup

Fairchild's performance through three games leaves plenty to be desired.

Russ Heltman | 4 Hours Ago

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, center, talks with center Ted Karras (64) and guard Dylan Fairchild (63) during the final minutes agains Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The Bengals move to 2-0 after beating the Jaguars 27-31. / Cara Owsley/ The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — Dylan Fairchild echoed the accountability his Bengals offensive line peers have taken on this week following a horrific game on all fronts for that unit in a 48-10 loss to Minnesota.

Fairchild posted the worst performance yet in his short NFL career, logging a career-low 40.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade in the game. He allowed three quarterback pressures and had a lowly 35.7 run-blocking grade.

"I'm gonna just tell you right now, I think we own it up front," Fairchild stated about the day. "That's our job to block people and to create holes and to make it happen. So I put it on our back 1,000%. So it starts with us, and we have to be better. We've got to be more detailed, more keyed in on the fundamentals. And yeah, that's really what it comes down to. It's just the small things, the details."

The details are going to be ultra-imperative this week against a Broncos defensive front that's number one in quarterback pressure rate (39.2%) and sacks this season (12).

It's a massive challenge to overcome a week after the second-best pressure team (the Vikings) stole their lunch money.

"They got a good front," Fairchild noted about Denver. "Their whole defense is really good. They're good rushers. And they're well coached, you know. So I think just taking it again, like detail by detail, moment by moment, that's going to be the key."

Fairchild thrived in pass blocking during the Week 2 win over Jacksonville, but has performed pretty poorly besides that, as Cincinnati somehow fields worse guard play through three games than they did last season.

Any sped-up development from Fairchild showing through this week would be big for the Bengals' offense.

"We all know we need to be better. And they've done a great job of just being leaders of the room and telling us really what we need to do," Fairchild said about the veteran leadership on the offensive line. "Telling us that we need to get better on, those details. We need to be more focused on our just week-to-week preparation.

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/allbengals-insiders-plus/dylan-fairchild-speaks-on-minnesota-outing-as-offensive-line-prepares-for-next-brutal-matchup-01k63ca2kp5a

I'm a little skeptical as to what "details" are going to keep them from getting straight up bodied at the point of attack, but sure, ok - let's see it.

Maybe if they shuffle their feet faster while not making contact with anyone it will confuse their pass rushers? I watched some tape of Orland Brown getting beat like a drum and they've even got guys doing the patty-cake shuffle on running plays. How about letting them fire out and hit someone for a change, just to see what happens? Nah, wouldn't want them blocking the wrong person instead of nobody!

3 hours ago, T-Dub said:

I'm a little skeptical as to what "details" are going to keep them from getting straight up bodied at the point of attack, but sure, ok - let's see it.

Maybe if they shuffle their feet faster while not making contact with anyone it will confuse their pass rushers? I watched some tape of Orland Brown getting beat like a drum and they've even got guys doing the patty-cake shuffle on running plays. How about letting them fire out and hit someone for a change, just to see what happens? Nah, wouldn't want them blocking the wrong person instead of nobody!

im just a dumb guy who knows like 15% of what goes into the line groups prep and work and even i know this post is cringy and comically out of touch.

really the only way to get "bodied" off the line is to fall or be off balance, if you take the wrong angle on the edge and get beat the opposite direction... aside from that someone fucked up or the defnse call was incorrect. and it being incorrect could be it was correct based on film and they switched it up. which is easier to do early in the season as the more film the teams have on you the more variations they have of that defense going against and how it reacted. which is what makes the playoffs so tense and hard nosed, is everyone has endless film on you.

nothing the line did really had anything to do with the 5 fumbles and two picks, which lead to the 31 points off turnovers.. so it wouldnt be likely that happens again.

the line is going to have a bad day. the broncos front is great.. theyll be required to pass quickly which is going to be tough as well with the good DB's the broncos put out.

on the opposite side of the ball, the broncos OL weakest pass block point is the center, so going to need jenkins to have the game of his life. if you can hit or shake bo nix early, he may very well crumble.. doesnt sound like we will have stewert after all as i think was alreay brought up..

going back to the first part of my reply.. this early in the season you have 3 games of film, on that defense, with what fronts we face we have few examples of who may cover who in what formation, will a CB travel across the field, on one side, not at all, then will the LB drop or blitz, will a DE/edge drop to cover a flat or just blitz or stunt inside, etc. and every formation you saw was zone coverage and the LB and DL did the same thing each time, this game they may switch it up and do man and blitz when they did zone and drop, we dont have enough film to know the tendencies of everything, just like they dont with our offense and formations and motion, however we have a backup QB with 2 weeks of install and reps, so we are operating at about 60-70% of the full options we would have under burrow. so they have a giant advantage in this scenario. Browning as a backup studies the opposing teams offense and runs that in practice for the defense to go against. so its not like he is just shadowing burrow in our offense the while season, he starts getting less action in the bengals offense when the season starts.

until he took over of course

7 hours ago, GoBengals said:

im just a dumb guy who knows like 15% of what goes into the line groups prep and work and even i know this post is cringy and comically out of touch.

really the only way to get "bodied" off the line is to fall or be off balance, if you take the wrong angle on the edge and get beat the opposite direction... aside from that someone fucked up or the defnse call was incorrect. and it being incorrect could be it was correct based on film and they switched it up. which is easier to do early in the season as the more film the teams have on you the more variations they have of that defense going against and how it reacted. which is what makes the playoffs so tense and hard nosed, is everyone has endless film on you.

nothing the line did really had anything to do with the 5 fumbles and two picks, which lead to the 31 points off turnovers.. so it wouldnt be likely that happens again.

the line is going to have a bad day. the broncos front is great.. theyll be required to pass quickly which is going to be tough as well with the good DB's the broncos put out.

on the opposite side of the ball, the broncos OL weakest pass block point is the center, so going to need jenkins to have the game of his life. if you can hit or shake bo nix early, he may very well crumble.. doesnt sound like we will have stewert after all as i think was alreay brought up..

going back to the first part of my reply.. this early in the season you have 3 games of film, on that defense, with what fronts we face we have few examples of who may cover who in what formation, will a CB travel across the field, on one side, not at all, then will the LB drop or blitz, will a DE/edge drop to cover a flat or just blitz or stunt inside, etc. and every formation you saw was zone coverage and the LB and DL did the same thing each time, this game they may switch it up and do man and blitz when they did zone and drop, we dont have enough film to know the tendencies of everything, just like they dont with our offense and formations and motion, however we have a backup QB with 2 weeks of install and reps, so we are operating at about 60-70% of the full options we would have under burrow. so they have a giant advantage in this scenario. Browning as a backup studies the opposing teams offense and runs that in practice for the defense to go against. so its not like he is just shadowing burrow in our offense the while season, he starts getting less action in the bengals offense when the season starts.

until he took over of course

IDK what % stupid I am or anything but I'm fairly certain when the play ends with the QB on the ground, or the RB stacked up for no gain, and then I see one or more OL were doing the pattycake shuffle & blocking nobody, it means someone fucked up. I don't really like ketchup so I guess I'm cringe and clueless but probably not as cringe as the Bengals OL. Watching a LT fail to make contact with an edge rusher then casually help the QB off the ground is cringe to me but what do I know..

Do they look like they all generally know what they're doing on a given play & are "executing their assignments" to you?