NFL.com 'Sad' About What Sean Payton Said After Beating Packers

The Denver Broncos aren't getting much credit for winning in Week 7.

On Sunday, the Denver Broncos secured their first home win of the season, defeating the Green Bay Packers, 19-17. Safety P.J. Locke’s game-sealing interception of Jordan Love turned the 'GO-PACK-GO' chants into 'GO-BACK-HOME' as the shocking sea of green and yellow jerseys filed out of Empower Field at Mile High.

The Broncos avoided what would’ve been their first 0-4 home start to a season in team history, saving themselves more embarrassment. When it comes to NFL.com's power rankings, Sunday’s win bumped Denver up one spot, and at this point, baby steps are all Broncos Country can ask for.

Despite the victory, Sean Payton wasn’t satisfied. Eric Edholm has an idea of why Payton isn’t as excited as he should be. 

Broncos Rank: 27

When I heard Sean Payton asking rhetorically Monday, “Why can’t I be happy?” following the Broncos’ rousing win, I just got sad. The Broncos went from giving up 70 to Miami to turning in back-to-back strong defensive showings, and this is where Payton’s head is. I suspect it has something to do with the limitations of his team’s passing game, but it might also continue with the four-game suspension for Kareem Jackson for multiple violations of unnecessary roughness rules. With the overall defensive improvement -- more Drew Sanders, please! -- and the effective RB duo of Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, there are far more things to smile about than there were a few weeks ago. Cheer up, coach!

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What Payton actually said was: "I don’t like Sushi, and I’m finding myself circling around the parking lot [thinking] ‘Alright, why can’t I be happy?’ Well, you’re searching for that perfect game. I’m just that way."

Edholm is right that Payton isn’t over the moon about securing his first home win as Broncos head coach because his offense still can’t break into the stratosphere. A lone touchdown for an offensive-minded coach will keep him up at night, regardless of the results in the standings.

The Broncos' passing game, in particular, is lacking. Russell Wilson still struggles to find open receivers, especially over the middle of the field and the red zone, is still the bane of the Broncos' existence.

While the Wil Lutz trade is panning out, Payton would rather Lutz’s four field goals were four extra point attempts. Here's an idea: if Payton wants this offense to get off the launch pad, Marvin Mims Jr. needs more touches.

It seems that Mims is still in the dog house after his two-fumble game against the New York Jets. While those mistakes contributed to a loss, he’s still a rookie that Denver traded up to snag. One target and one touch is not the way to utilize Mims' explosive playmaking ability.

Defensively, the Broncos have improved a bit, but there is still plenty of room for growth. Locke can fill in for the now-suspended Jackson, assuming his appeal is denied. The more significant issue is sacking the quarterback. Denver failed to take down Love even once with a banged-up Packers O-line.

Allowing back-to-back touchdown drives — despite how ludicrous the two scores were — is not a winning recipe for this team. The Broncos were able to get away with sloppy play against a floundering Packers squad, but don’t be surprised when Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills absolutely punish them for every misstep.

This week, Kansas City will look to extend its winning streak against the Broncos to 17 consecutive. If the Chiefs cut out the cute playcalling they used against Denver the first time, Payton will genuinely have something to be unhappy about.

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