The Denver Broncos have been a force to be reckoned with in the fourth quarter this season, ranking fourth in points per game through the first 10 weeks. However, head coach Sean Payton is not satisfied with his team’s performance in the other three quarters, with their rankings falling no better than 15th in the first quarter. As they prepare to face their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 13, Payton has delivered a blunt truth about their performance.
In an interview with Heavy Sports, Payton expressed his concerns about the team’s slow starts in games. He stated, “We have to be better in the first quarter. Our performance in the first quarter has not been up to our standards and that needs to change.” This statement may come as a surprise to some, considering the Broncos have a record of 8-3 and are currently sitting at the top of their division. However, Payton knows that in order to maintain their position and make a run for the playoffs, they need to improve their overall performance.
The Broncos have been known for their strong defense, but their offense has been struggling to find its rhythm in the early stages of the game. This has put a lot of pressure on the defense to keep the team in the game, and it has been a challenge for them to maintain their level of play for the entire 60 minutes. Payton understands the importance of starting strong and setting the tone for the game, and he is determined to make the necessary changes to improve their performance in the first quarter.
One of the main reasons for the slow starts could be the absence of star quarterback Drew Lock, who missed several games due to injury. In his absence, backup quarterback Jeff Driskel and practice squad player Kendall Hinton struggled to find their footing, leading to a lack of production in the first quarter. However, with Lock back in the lineup, Payton is confident that the offense will be able to get off to a better start and put points on the board early in the game.
The upcoming game against the Chiefs will be a crucial one for the Broncos, as they look to maintain their lead in the division. The Chiefs are currently sitting at second place with a record of 7-4, and they will be looking to close the gap with a win over the Broncos. Payton knows that this will be a tough matchup, but he is confident in his team’s abilities. He said, “The Chiefs are a great team, and we know it won’t be an easy game. But we are ready for the challenge, and we will give it our all.”
The Broncos have a talented roster, and they have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the league. However, in order to be a true contender, they need to address their slow starts and improve their performance in the first quarter. With Payton’s blunt truth and determination to make changes, the team is motivated to step up and deliver a strong performance against the Chiefs.
In conclusion, the Denver Broncos may rank fourth in fourth-quarter points per game, but their head coach Sean Payton is not satisfied with their overall performance. As they prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in a crucial divisional matchup, Payton has delivered a blunt truth about their slow starts and the need for improvement. With their eyes set on the playoffs, the Broncos are determined to make the necessary changes and come out strong in the first quarter.