Published September 21, 2026 3:42pm
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Updated September 21, 2026 3:57pm
Sean Payton has a unique sideline posture to help ease discomfort.
The Broncos coach sets his feet at shoulder-width, bends slightly at the waist and rests both palms on his knees. Payton is not confused about where to put his hands without a play sheet. He’s adjusting to health challenges.
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Payton told reporters last week about back issues related to his L4-L5 disc. He said that it “radiates through your thigh and can go into your foot” while standing over the course of a football game.
On Sunday night, after a 20-13 home win over the Jaguars, Payton quipped: “My back is sore again, so I was bent over. I just want to make sure that when you guys see that. … I can bring you the MRIs.”
Payton discussed the problem in more detail Monday.
“In 2013, I had a (small) disc issue, and it was just from too much CrossFit or working out. That kind of calmed down and then flared up this summer,” Payton said. “I already had the little procedure, which is really like an injection. … It really can get aggravated when you’re standing for 3 and a half (or) 4 hours. No, there’s no surgery for the back. I’ve got a toe issue. There are some other issues now that are (happening), but the stress on the back can be relieved if you get into that position.”
Payton, 62, has about 20 years of NFL head coaching experience. But it doesn’t appear his age or health issues have slowed him down, especially since offensive coordinator Davis Webb assumed play-calling duties.
“I’ve noticed his energy towards us a lot more,” tight end Evan Engram said. “He’s very energized. He’s pretty vocal in practice and in games. He obviously has a lot on his plate calling plays, but now his energy, he’s able to pour so much more (and) conversate more. It’s definitely impacting us in a positive way just seeing his energy and his excitement. But he’s also going to get on our butts when we’re not doing the things we’re supposed to be doing.”
Denver Broncos line backer, Que Robinson (51) celebrates a sacking Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, Trevor Lawrence (16) in the first half at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. The Broncos defeated the Jaguars 20-13. (Michael G. Seamans, The Gazette)
Sack numbers
Multiple players on the Broncos defense set a lofty goal to break the NFL’s team sacks record. The Broncos posted 68 last year. The all-time mark is 72 by the 1984 Chicago Bears.
It’s time to pick up the pace. Denver has four sacks over the first two weeks of the season. Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach explained how opponents are limiting pass-rush success.
“A lot of quarterbacks come into the game and understand you can’t hold on to the ball. You can’t have those double-clutches and things like that,” Roach said. “I think teams are doing a good job of getting rid of the ball as soon as the quarterback kind of hits that back foot. … We always say that pressures lead to sacks. But pressures also lead to interceptions (and) incompletions. It’s just doing our job. We feel like the sacks are always going to be there. But what else can we do to attack the game?”
Defensive lineman Zach Allen is the outlier. He’s already logged two sacks and four quarterback hits.
“We see the work (Allen) puts in every day, so we’re not really surprised at the success he’s having,” Roach said. “It’s kind of expected just from the beast he is on the field and the work he puts in off the field (and) the attention to detail in film sessions.”
Briefly
Payton did not specify the health status of two running backs, J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, dealing with hamstring injuries. Rookie Jonah Coleman stepped up against the Jaguars. Payton said: “All three of those players we’re discussing can be (the) bell cow (and) handle a majority of the carries.” … Payton described the crowd noise at Empower Field as “significant” in a Week 1 victory. Payton said: “There’s a communication problem relative to the formation, and twice I saw that right in front of me.” … The Broncos host the Rams on Sunday night. Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald came out of a two-year retirement this season. Donald was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 111 career sacks. Roach said: “He’s one of the best football players to ever walk (on) this earth.”