Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton got “choked up” speaking about passing his mentor, Bill Parcells, on the all-time wins list, according to 9News’ Mike Klis on September 29. Payton might have a similar reaction to comments from running back J.K. Dobbins.
He was one of the Broncos’ stars against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, tallying the franchise’s first 100-yard rushing game since the 2022 season and the first of Payton’s tenure.
Dobbins was already off to a solid start, but Payton still took measures to unlock the run game.
J.K. Dobbins Praises Sean Payton After Broncos Rout Bengals
GettyJ.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos reacts after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“Coach Payton is the best. I love him, and he’s always going to figure out ways to put us in the right position. Not just the running backs, but everybody on the team. And so, I appreciate him for doing that,” Dobbins told reporters on September 29. “We’re just going to keep getting better. We’re going to figure it out. He’s going to figure me out. He’s going to figure the team out even more. So, … it’s going to get better.”
Asked specifically about crossing the century mark, which he did for the seventh time in his career on Monday, Dobbins again cited wanting to perform well for Payton.
He also teased a repeat performance after his 16-101-0 line on “Monday Night Football.”
“That means a lot to me. I’ve been working really hard to get that, especially for Coach Payton. I know that means a lot to him as well, and the o-line was blocking incredible. I can’t do it without those guys. So, it’s a great feeling, and maybe I can go back-to-back now.”
Sean Payton Gets Honest About Run Game, Bo Nix
GettyBo Nix #10 hands the ball off to J.K. Dobbins #27 of the Denver Broncos against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Payton has taken some criticism for his usage of the Broncos’ personnel. He noted the Broncos did make some tweaks to Dobbins and RJ Harvey, who had 98 yards and 1 TD on 18 touches.
“One thing we did different tonight – there were certain tags that put either one in – but we gave them series, and I think that helped both of them,” Payton told reporters on September 29. “Certainly is easier to call plays, and both of them got in good rhythms. There were hard-fought yardage. I thought those guys both ran hard. I thought we blocked them well. We pushed them well.
“We’ll look at the film, but it’s good to have a 100-yard rusher. It was good to run. I don’t know how many attempts we had, but that typically happens with a big lead. I’d love to have that many rushing attempts, but it’s usually a byproduct of being ahead.”
Payton said that, at this point in the NFL calendar, every team is still trying to form its identity, and that this game was a step in the right direction.
But they, including him, must be better with the Philadelphia Eagles on tap in Week 5.
“Bo [Nix] kind of bailed me out,” Payton said, describing Nix’s touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton just before halftime. “It was a great call by him, and a great throw, and catch by Sutton. You start those drives thinking field goal, be smart, we start the second half with the ball. And then you, midstream, adjust.
“Quickly, we crossed midfield, and now your mindset changes. And that was a big, certainly, a big play at the end of the half. A huge play.”
Sean Payton Reflects Fondly on Bill Parcells After Moving Up All-Time Wins List
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The play helped secure victory No. 20 for Payton as Broncos head coach. It marked the 172nd win over the 2009 Super Bowl champion’s career. He tied the Hall of Famer, Parcells, for 16th place on the all-time list.
“He’s a pretty big influence on what I’ve been able to achieve. And so, I’m sure we’ll talk at some point this week. We talk pretty frequently. He’s paying most of his attention to the horses,” Payton told reporters after the game. “There was an early point in my career where I felt I was going to be a head coach, but coaching with him for three years allowed me to have success as being a head coach.”
“It’s an honor,” Payton said after the Broncos’ victory.
Broncos Veteran Offers Strong Comments About Sean Payton After Bengals Game