Broncos' Sean Payton regrets 4th-down decision, but not for reason most fans would expect originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos lost to the New England Patriots, 10-7, in the AFC Championship game. After losing Bo Nix to a broken ankle, the Broncos seemingly didn't have any chance to advance to the Super Bowl.
But with an incredible defense, they had a shot. They came up just short, and while Jarrett Stidham's fumble was a major reason for the loss, Denver also lost in part due to Sean Payton's 4th down decision early in the game.
He went for it on 4th and 1 instead of kicking a field goal to make it 10-0. Kevin Patra of NFL.com shared that Payton regrets that decision, but not for the reason most fans would expect.
Sean Payton reveals biggest regret amid 4th-down decision
"I think probably what irks me more is the call more than the decision," Payton said. "It's still early in the game. Now we knew there were going to be flurries. Well, we have a new feel for flurries here, or what can change at the base of the mountain. There are those moments that you wish you had back."
Payton regrets going for it on 4th down to some degree, but he's more hurt by the specific play call he made for the 4th-down play.
He doesn't believe the design of the 4th down attempt was the right call. He regrets the way he went for it more than he does the act itself.
More: Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham on snow, going for it on 4th in AFC championship
While the approaching snow and the backup quarterback situation likely meant the Broncos should've kicked the field goal, in a vacuum, going for it on 4th and 1 isn't that odd a decision.
If Nix were starting instead of Stidham, going for it wouldn't have been a question. But, with a backup quarterback in the game, and the expected low-scoring nature of the game, taking the points was likely the right call.
Initially, Payton said, "I don't know which is the greater regret," about the decision to go for it, or the play call on the 4th down attempt.
But, based on his follow-up quote, he's beating himself up over the design of the play call rather than the decision to go for it.
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