In the fourth quarter of last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers, the Denver Broncos had to burn a timeout in a close game because they only had 10 men on the field for a crucial third down play on defense.
Broncos safety Kareem Jackson had been ejected earlier in the game and the defense did not have a second safety on the field for a 3rd-and-1 play at their own four-yard line. Denver had to burn a timeout to get safety P.J. Locke on the field and cameras then caught coach Sean Payton upset with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph on the sideline.
The Packers ended up scoring and took a 17-16 lead, but the Broncos ultimately won the game 19-17. After the win, Payton was asked about his exchange with Joseph.
“I’m in a great spot with him,” Payton said. “You have to understand one thing about me. He won’t be the only one. I was frustrated, and you don’t want to use those timeouts. Sometimes, it’s hard to be pleased or not upset. You want to play your perfect game.
“That was a good win for us, and yet I’m driving home last night heading to get sushi. I don’t like sushi, and I’m finding myself circling around the parking lot [thinking], ‘Alright, why can’t I be happy?’ Well, you’re searching for that perfect game. I’m just that way. I’m going to wear my emotions on my sleeve, whether it’s defense or offense. We got caught with 10 [players on the field]. Obviously, the [ejection] of Kareem was one thing, but it also impacts kind of a goal line personnel grouping. We’ll get that cleaned up, but all good there.”
(As an aside, Payton went on to explain that his family likes sushi and he was being a team player by taking them to a sushi restaurant to celebrate the win.)
So, according to Payton, he’s just looking for perfection and his heated words directed toward Joseph shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. We’ll still be keeping an eye on Joseph’s job status as the 2023 season goes on, regardless of what Payton says publicly.
