The Denver Broncos collapsed against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 16. After leading at halftime 21-13, the Broncos went without a touchdown for the rest of the game. Head coach Sean Payton was visibly frustrated in the post-match presser.
“Disappointing loss,” Payton said afterward, according to Zac Stevens of thednvr.com.
Payton, who previously pointed out the question of penalties it was hindering their success throughout the seasonsaid the team needs to be “smarter” after the 34-27 loss to the Chargers.
“It’s still going on so we need to do a better job of coaching… It’s not like it’s new. It will cost you,” Payton said.
It’s never easy when a team delivers a crucial win to a division rival, especially one trying to capture the same AFC Wild Card spot. Nonetheless, Payton and Co. are still in good shape at 9-6, but are now officially in must-win territory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17.
Broncos penalties scattered throughout loss
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The Broncos struggled on defense throughout the night. As great as Payton did this season, making sure the defense was solid and keeping things balanced offensively with rookie Bo Nix running the show, this team always manages to return to previous mistakes.
Heading into a game where a playoff spot could have been clinched, the belief was that the Broncos would be strong. The offense looked the latter to start the first half. Nix needed just 10 plays to go 72 yards for a rushing touchdown from Audric Estime on their first drive. Even when the Chargers responded with a score of their own, the Broncos seemed in control.
Instead, seven penalties gave the Chargers 61 advantageous yards that paved the way for their huge comeback. And now they’re back to the drawing board and onto the training pitch to continue repeating those same mistakes before ending their season.
