In the third quarter of the Denver Broncos’ loss to the Detroit Lions on Saturday, cameras spotted coach Sean Payton yelling at quarterback Russell Wilson on the sideline.
Payton’s outburst came after Denver failed to score a touchdown on three straight plays and ultimately settled for a field goal after guard Quinn Meinerz was penalized for lining up in the neutral zone, nullifying a touchdown.
After the game, Payton insisted that his outburst at Wilson was the result of him being frustrated about the penalty that negated a touchdown. After two days of reflection, Payton is sticking to his story.
“The anger and frustration in that sequence comes from the fourth-down call and the touchdown and what was later called a penalty,” Payton said during his conference call with reporters on Monday. “All of a sudden now, we’re sitting at fourth and call it six instead of fourth and a half a yard. We’re trying to get within two scores and it’s an important sequence relative to the game and trying to climb back in it.”
It’s unclear why Wilson was the subject of Payton’s wrath following that sequence, unless the quarterback did something wrong. The coach hasn’t given any indication that Wilson was individually at fault, making Payton’s outburst puzzling.
Pressed about it during Monday’s call, Payton said he didn’t have anything else to share about the incident.
“Nothing more to share,” Payton said. “It’s certainly in-game intensity and heat of the moment, and all those things. Nothing more to add.”
Payton was later asked if he felt the need to hash things out with Wilson or the team after Saturday’s heated moment.
“Not at all,” Payton said. “First off, we haven’t had a team meeting and Russ and I have a great relationship. No, not at all.”
That’s Payton’s story, and he’s sticking to it.
