Bo Nix, Sean Payton have animated sideline discussion in Broncos win over Raiders

The biggest drama in the Broncos-Raiders game took place on the home sideline.

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix and coach Sean Payton exchanged words in a lengthy and animated discussion. It happened late in the third quarter of a 34-18 victory at Empower Field.

The Broncos were forced to punt after rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin dropped a long touchdown pass in the end zone. Nix returned to the sideline and met with Payton in clear view of the NFL on Fox TV broadcast.

Payton briefly put one hand on the quarterback’s chest. Nix responded with heated words — waving arms, pointing and shouting — before walking away from Payton and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb. Payton continuously pointed to his play sheet.

Nix went to the bench and spoke with the wide receivers group. Payton joined him and their dialogue continued.

So, what happened?

“It’s part of the deal,” Payton said. “There’s still a little bit of Ferris Bueller in this player that we’ve got to get rid of. Alright. I’m talking about Bo. And I love him to death. And so, sometimes, it’s my love language.”

Payton did not comment on the topic of discussion. Payton said: “No. Absolutely not.”

Nix threw for 206 yards on 19 of 27 completions with two passing touchdowns against the Raiders. He also ran in for a score. Nix spoke with reporters following the game in a vintage No. 7 John Elway jersey.

He joked about his exchange with Payton.

“He turned and looked at me and said: I love you,” Nix said. “I turned and said: I love you back.”

Nix confirmed that he’s seen the 1986 classic movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” starring Matthew Broderick as a teenager who plays by his own rules. Nix appreciated the reference from Payton.

“It’s funny,” Nix said. “That literally explains the situation. That we’re just out there with great competitive intensity and fire. And we can have those conversations and move right back along. And score another few touchdowns. It doesn’t bother us.”

Nix said there was some confusion in the huddle before the missed opportunity to Franklin. Nix took blame for an overthrow. Franklin, however, pointed the finger at himself. He said: “I’ve got to make that catch.”

Franklin does not take issue with his quarterback showing emotion after the play. Franklin has a unique understanding of Nix as former college teammates at Oregon.

“My guy is going to speak his mind (to) let us know what he’s seeing and keep us motivated,” Franklin said. “You guys saw it out there. And you saw the results, too. … Everything was all good. That’s just what happens in football.”