Sean Payton on his play-calling so far: ‘You’re never satisfied’

Sean Payton is 2-0 since taking back the Broncos’ play sheet, but he isn’t calling it a finished product quite yet.

After practice on Wednesday, Sean Payton was asked how he would grade himself after two games back as Denver’s play-caller. He took over the job from offensive coordinator Davis Webb before the Week 5 win over the Chargers, then called plays again in last Thursday’s overtime win over Seattle. Sunday’s game at Arizona will be his third.

“Listen, you’re never satisfied,” Payton said.

“First half last week felt good, you know, with where we were at, relative to the game. Second half can be a lot better.”

“You know, it’s still one of those yellow tape, work in progress deals.”

The two halves against Seattle looked very different. Denver opened with a long, physical scoring drive that included several third-down conversions and a fourth-and-3 near midfield. The Broncos led 14-3 at halftime. But after the break, the offense gained only 30 yards, picked up two first downs and went 0-for-6 on third down. Bo Nix completed 7 of 12 passes for 29 yards in the second half. Sean Payton’s first game back, against the Chargers, wasn’t much smoother. Denver managed 224 net yards and converted one of 12 third downs.

Even so, the fast start against Seattle stood out. Slow starts have been a problem for the Broncos for most of Payton’s time in Denver, and his team came out of the tunnel playing with intensity for once.

The offense still has a long way to go. Through six games, the Broncos rank 31st in the league in yards per game (252.2) and 26th in points per game (19.0). The defense has carried the team. Denver is tied for third in the NFL in both takeaways (10) and sacks (18).

Arizona should give Sean Payton his best chance yet to put together four full quarters. The Cardinals are 2-4 and allowing 29.7 points per game, tied for the most in the league. They are coming off a big win, though, as they beat the Los Angeles Rams as 13 point underdogs.

Denver could also get help on defense. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper is expected to make his season debut after being removed from the Commissioner Exempt List. However, Pat Surtain II is still listed as questionable, and Talanoa Hufanga is doubtful.

Sean Payton and the Broncos are 4.5-point road favorites. They will try for their third straight win on Sunday, Oct. 25, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

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