One of Bo Nix’s top weapons pissed off Sean Payton, then flipped the script in the comeback win over the Eagles
Head coach Sean Payton didn’t hold back.
The Denver Broncos pulled off a thrilling comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, led by an impressive fourth-quarter showing from quarterback Bo Nix and the offense. The defense deserves its flowers, especially linebacker Nik Bonitto, who just keeps finding ways to get sacks in bunches.
However, Nix was dominant in the fourth quarter, going nine for 10 with 126 yards and a touchdown, along with a successful two-point conversion, and led the team on three scoring drives to overcome the 14-point deficit.
While Nix shone, it was tight end Evan Engram who found the end zone that ultimately helped the Broncos pull out a victory. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though, as a heated sideline exchange between Engram and head coach Sean Payton wound up being the difference-maker.
It was tough love from Payton toward the tight end, and it was all because of Engram’s touches. Some less-than-ideal body language from the tight end had Payton irate on the sideline. Payton opened up about the altercation after the game.
“I got pissed at him and he was pissed at me,” Payton said. “I just got after him a little just because I knew that he hadn’t gotten the touches, and then it was like, ‘Alright, let’s find these throws real quick.’”
Evan Engram breaks his silence on sideline exchange
Engram loved the energy from Payton and used it to fuel him to achieve great things throughout the matchup. The veteran opened up to the media after the game about the sideline exchange with his head coach. Especially after a win, it’s all water under the bridge, and something that Engram appreciated from Payton.
“I appreciate hard coaching,” Engram said. “Honestly, I don’t like that any other way. I like to be pushed hard. Sean will definitely let you know. Whenever he’s upset, he’ll let you know, even when he’s excited and happy, too.”
The veteran tight end has been battling his fair share of injuries, even sidelining him for the Week 3 matchup. Engram was brought into Denver to be a difference maker on offense, and it’s clear that Payton wants to get him more touches throughout the game.
Evan Engram’s career totals
- 2017: 64 receptions, 722 yards, six touchdowns receiving
- 2018: 45 receptions, 577 yards, three touchdowns receiving
- 2019: 44 receptions, 467 yards, three touchdowns receiving
- 2020: 63 receptions, 654 yards, one touchdown receiving, one rushing touchdown
- 2021: 46 receptions, 408 yards, three touchdowns receiving
- 2022: 73 receptions, 766 yards, four touchdowns receiving
- 2023: 114 receptions, 963 yards, four touchdowns receiving
- 2024: 47 receptions, 365 yards, one touchdown receiving
- 2025 (through five weeks): 12 receptions, 95 yards, one touchdown receiving
For now, it was some much-needed tough love that helped spurn greatness from the veteran pass-catcher. It’s moments like those that define Payton’s culture in Denver — demanding, passionate, and effective.
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