Sean Payton says ‘moments aren’t too big’ for Bo Nix, but has word of caution

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is still digesting his team’s crazy win over the Los Angeles Rams.

And so is all of Broncos Country after Denver rallied in the second half to stun L.A. by a final score of 30-26.

Payton’s team was down 16-0 at halftime and 26-23 late, but a Bo Nix touchdown and two Talanoa Hufanga interceptions ultimately sealed the huge victory. Denver improved to 2-1 on the young season.

“There was so many different chapters to that game,” Sean Payton said after the fact.

While Nix was awesome in the second half and finished with three total touchdowns, the first half was flat out ugly. Still, fans have seen this version of Nix again and again. A slow start followed by some fourth quarter magic.

Payton was asked what allows Nix to be great late in these thrillers.

“That’s the $6 million question, honestly. And I think that we’re trying to sort through this,” Payton said.

Those in the Mile High City and beyond would love the answer, because Nix can look like John Elway at times. He can also look a whole lot worse.

For Sean Payton, he had praise for Nix but also acknowledged the Broncos need to figure the issue out.

“The moments aren’t too big and he moves and escapes and makes plays, but it leads us to the first part of the jigsaw which is, man, we have to find a way to play better earlier,” Payton said.

Spotting the Rams 16 points was a bold strategy, but Denver was somehow able to dig out of the hole. Payton pointed out the slow beginnings aren’t all on Nix.

“I always think it starts with me or it starts with a group of us before it ever gets to Bo,” Sean Payton said.

The head coach added starting fast was important against L.A., but it didn’t happen. He then offered a word of caution for Nix and the entire team.

“It’ll cost us in bigger games, I just believe that. Against teams that are playing better later in the season. And I’m talking about ourselves, the Rams, whoever it is. It’ll be something we’ll be frustrated about later if we can’t clean it up,” Payton said.

Basically, he’s admitting that come late in the regular season or playoff time the miraculous comebacks won’t always happen.

Sean Payton and the Broncos players can soak this one in, while also internally knowing there’s a lot to improve. And that might start with the QB in the first couple of quarters.

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