Sean Payton justifies pricy expense reports to fancy-schmancy resorts | Broncos cheers and boos

Two cheers and two boos from the Broncos' 10-9 win over the New York Jets on Sunday:

CHEERS!

… to Sean Payton, who now can justify pricy expense reports to his Walmart bosses. Was it a week at The Greenbrier that allowed the Broncos to escape MetLife Stadium with a 10-9 win over Aaron Rodgers and the Jets? Well, the Broncos sure battled as though they had each other’s backs against a quality team in crummy weather. The Broncos entered as 7.5-underdogs. Looking over the schedule, Sunday was the last time Denver will be a touchdown underdog. A 2-2 record entering October was the best-case scenario. Coaching matters.

BOO!

While Bo Nix’s resiliency reminds of Tim Tebow, so did the Broncos’ passing game. As the Broncos threw for minus-7 passing yards in the first half, did anyone else wonder if No. 15 had snuck into Nix’s jersey? It was perplexing to see the Broncos attempt 15 passes (for minus-7 yards) at the same time they averaged 5.3 yards on 10 runs. But perhaps Payton was pulling a fast one on the Jets for the second half. Either way, it’s helpful to remember this is as bad as Nix is going to be. The young man is still 24 years old and only going to get better.

CHEERS!

… to Alex Palczewski, who's making a case as the right tackle of the future for the Broncos. Let’s run a tale of the tape on the offensive line in the two games since “Palcho” replaced the injured Mike McGlinchey: zero sacks allowed, 262 rushing yards. That’ll do, big fellas. Credit the Broncos’ scouting department for identifying Palczewski as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Illinois. Considering Garett Bolles is a free agent after this season, left tackle is still going to be a target with a high pick in the 2025 NFL draft. But right tackle’s in good hands.

BOO!

… to injuries such as the one to Tyler Badie. The Broncos running back endured a vicious hit and collapsed on the sideline. He then was immobilized on a stretcher before being carted to the training room. Payton after the game said there was “no update” on Badie, who has been a feel-good story for the Broncos in the month of September. Credit Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, who combined for 123 rushing yards. Recovering from an 0-2 start is “really like a deep breath,” Williams said. Next is a pair against AFC West rivals, the Raiders and Chargers.

—Paul Klee, The Denver Gazette