The Denver Broncos thought Sean Payton would, at the very least, bandage up their fatal flaws. But no coach, regardless of their track record, can help fix a team with a semi-washed-up quarterback (Russell Wilson), an offensive line that can’t block, and a defense letting inexperienced quarterbacks (Sam Howell) cut it up.
And so, after an offseason of promise and platitudes, Payton’s Broncos are 0-2 with two losses at home against two traditionally moribund teams, the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders. Denver hasn’t played any of the AFC’s heavyweights yet and must already dig itself out of a hole. Brutal, in every sense of the word.
It is, indeed, just two games. But this is precisely the nightmare start the Broncos needed to avoid if Payton was going to “fix” them. Now, they’ll be fighting uphill for a little while, trying to get a breath. The good news? They must visit the high-flying Miami Dolphins in hot South Florida next week. Wait. Wait, no. Wait, that’s bad news.
Not everyone had a poor Week 2. Geno Smith showed us we shouldn’t doubt him so readily. Meanwhile, Brandon Staley is starting to feel the heat amid another terrible Chargers’ start.
Let’s hand out some awards after another wacky Sunday.
Worst job of building goodwill in a football-starved city: Sean Payton with the Broncos
Broncos blow a 21-3 lead and lose their second straight at home, Sean Payton era not off to a hot start
Ejiro Evero is pretty good!
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) September 17, 2023
Payton was supposed to be the cure to all of Denver’s ails. Instead, with a cupcake schedule on paper, the Broncos are 0-2 with not one but two home losses. This franchise needed a miracle worker, not just a head coach with a proven track record.
Best job of proving he's not a one-year wonder: Geno Smith after balling in Detroit
.@Seahawks go-ahead TD! @GenoSmith3 @TDLockett12
📺: #SEAvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/2ZkZ9Id8Hm— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
Murmurs of Smith being a fluke were at a fever pitch after the Los Angeles Rams slapped the Seahawks around to open the season. Smith quelled these concerns by balling in a hostile Detroit, throwing for 328 yards and the above game-winning dime to Tyler Lockett in overtime. Smith is still not writing the haters back.
Best job of clarifying who his audience is: Referee Alex Kemp in this exchange with Geno Smith
“I’m talking to America here, excuse me.”
The ref wasn’t trying to let Geno Smith interrupt him 😂 pic.twitter.com/mFgyzPxNR3
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) September 17, 2023
Everyone watching the game is obviously watching for the next stunt the referees will pull. Alex Kemp was so right to correct Smith.
Best job of almost-winning with a ridiculous last-second play: The Broncos on this tip drill Hail Mary
RUSSELL IS SO BACK pic.twitter.com/8gXYFwWsjh
— JM Football (@JomboyMediaFB) September 17, 2023
Denver had no business sending this game to overtime (as evidenced by a failed two-point conversion), but you still love this effort. Kudos to Brandon Johnson for the remarkable effort.
Worst job of holding it together as his seat gets hotter: Brandon Staley
Staley lost it when a reporter brought up the Jacksonville game💀 pic.twitter.com/lUK8X180qJ
— G (@3treblig) September 17, 2023
Far be it from me to question the approach of a team starting 0-2, but lashing out is probably the last thing Staley should be doing. This Chargers team’s vast problems are snowballing, and we haven’t even reached October.
Best job of going above and beyond his job responsibilities: Chiefs OT Donovan Smith on this catch
Patrick Mahomes to Donovan Smith LMAOOOOO! It was an illegal touching penalty but the Jags declined it so the big fella adds a catch to his stats 🤣🤣 https://t.co/cJC5Pajixi pic.twitter.com/Yn4ggaCqLz
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) September 17, 2023
This pass doesn’t count because, you know, offensive linemen can’t catch passes. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out Smith for showing off some great hands. The big boys are sneaky great athletes, folks!
Best job of trolling a silly team culture stunt: Jerrick Reed with a Lions' blue ski mask
Safety Jerrick Reed after the Seahawks thrilling win against the Lions: pic.twitter.com/60kDm7NMTY
— Seahawks Today (@TodaySeahawks) September 17, 2023
The Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson got way too ahead of himself by trying to make blue ski masks a “thing” for Detroit, and Reed couldn’t help but mock the attempt. This is when sheer, unfiltered pettiness is a beautiful development in the NFL.
Worst job of showing he learned his lesson: Kareem Jackson after another dirty hit
He should have been https://t.co/ex8fR2s8Da pic.twitter.com/yx3NCKefR9
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 17, 2023
That is now two questionable hits from Jackson in just two weeks. What was the point of any Week 1 discipline if he’s just going to do it again the following Sunday? These plays have no place in the game.
Best job of making a topical reference everyone can love: Ian Eagle on this Travis Kelce TD call
Your favorite duo is back at it again 😉@PatrickMahomes x @TKelce pic.twitter.com/7MdgHozbcV
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 17, 2023
If Travis Kelce really is dating pop star Taylor Swift, this was a brilliant way of Eagle showing he doesn’t have a “blank space” for celebrity rumors.
Best job of reacting to being Wally Pipp'd: Rams RB Cam Akers
I’m just as confused as everybody else. I’m blessed though 🤷🏾♂️
— Cam akers (@thereal_cam3) September 17, 2023
The Rams benched Akers after offering nothing from the backfield in Week 1, and they’re probably not going to look back after Kyren Williams scored two touchdowns in Week 2. But hey, at least Akers doesn’t seem bothered by losing a starting job. Positive thoughts.
Worst job of trying to complete a desperate comeback: Justin Fields, on this pick-six
What a play by Shaq Barrett ‼️
📺: #CHIvsTB on FOX⁰📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/SS75BQ128g
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
The Bears entered Tampa Bay Sunday in crisis. They were left in shambles, particularly after this disastrous Justin Fields’ pick-six throw to Shaquil Barrett, who (checks notes) is a defensive lineman. Not the start Chicago wanted after an offseason of promise.
Worst job of establishing some faith in his play: Zach Wilson in his first start since Aaron Rodgers' injury
This @DallasCowboys defense is just stacked with playmakers @Jayronkearse8
📺: #NYJvsDAL on CBS⁰📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/aVXg0KC0ko
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
It was this kind of afternoon for Wilson. After Aaron Rodgers’ crushing Achilles tear, the former top-two pick threw for 170 yards and three picks. The Dallas defense is a tough matchup for any quarterback, but Wilson looked predictably overwhelmed. It’s probably time to fade the Jets now and with urgency.
Best job of playing conflict mediator: This 49ers fan getting between Deebo Samuel and Derion Kendrick
Football is an amazing sport, we got a fan out here trying to break up player fights.pic.twitter.com/OY6TUPZv12
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) September 17, 2023
Look, I wouldn’t advise regular people to get in the way of two professional athletes scuffling about, but this man has a lot more courage than me.
