The Denver Broncos are 7-5 and currently on pace to make the NFL playoffs. Consequently, coach Sean Payton is getting shouts as a Coach of the Year candidate, but not everybody’s buying into the hype.
Former Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay fired off an interesting take on Twitter/X that seemingly suggested defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, not Payton, should get credit for the team’s success in 2024.
“Like I said we don’t talk about VJ and that Defense enough!!” Lindsay tweeted on Sunday. “Success runs through the Denver Broncos defense Sean tried to make it about HIM!! He got bailed out thank you Defense.”
It’s a curious take from Lindsay because (a) Joseph and the defense have been praised this season and (b) Payton hired Joseph and stuck with him through last season’s initial struggles. It doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario — Payton and Joseph have both helped the Broncos have success.
Lindsay walked back his take a little bit by later tweeting, “I don’t hate Sean but I don’t have to agree on all his decisions.” He also said the coach is doing a “great job” in a follow-up tweet on Monday.
Why!!! Why wouldn’t you Run the dam ball Sean!! No respect for the Running backs man poor job!
— Phillip Lindsay (@I_CU_boy) November 25, 2024
It seems that Lindsay’s beef with Payton relates to the coach’s utilization of the running backs and some timeout and game management on Sunday.
I don’t care if they throw it, but at least force the Raiders to use their timeouts or start running the clock to me. It’s just about game management Sean’s doing a great job with this team.
— Phillip Lindsay (@I_CU_boy) November 25, 2024
Payton explained during his Monday conference call with reporters that the Raiders set up their defense to take away Denver’s rushing attack.
“Yesterday was going to be a tough day for any of the backs,” Payton said. “It was just a heavy blitz, heavy run-front plan by the Raiders. So quickly we had to adjust.”
Lindsay, 30, played for the Broncos from 2018-2020. He now works for 104.3 The Fan.
