Sean Payton’s sideline argument with Broncos assistant steals attention as Denver stuns Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs
Despite trailing 24-13, Denver refused to let the game slip away. Nix threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Nate Adkins before finding Waddle for the two-point conversion, bringing the score to 24-21. The biggest play came with 1:56 remaining. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman caught a pass from Nix and turned it into a 51-yard gain. He then scored on a five-yard run, giving Denver a 28-24 lead.
The quarterback connected with Jaylen Waddle for a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter on fourth-and-goal. Denver later needed another successful fourth-down play when Nix found Waddle for a two-point conversion after a touchdown to Nate Adkins. However, Kansas City still had one chance to take the game back. Patrick Mahomes moved the Chiefs close to the end zone, but Denver’s defense held firm. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach sacked Mahomes on fourth-and-goal on the final play, securing the victory.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was caught in a heated exchange with a member of his coaching staff during Sunday’s Week 8 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The sideline argument took place as Denver struggled to control the game, but the Broncos eventually turned things around to secure a 28-24 comeback win at Empower Field at Mile High on November 1, 2026. The game carried extra importance for Denver, as the Broncos were looking to beat the Chiefs after losing their Week 1 meeting. Payton had even written the number ’48’ on the locker room door to remind his players how many days had passed since that defeat. In October 2024, he had a tense conversation with Bo Nix during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The reason for the disagreement has not been confirmed.
Speaking about that incident, he said, “It is part of the deal. There is still a little bit of Ferris Bueller in this player that we’ve got to get rid of. I’m talking about Bo. I love him to death, and sometimes it is my love language.”
Payton has previously spoken about his approach to heated sideline exchanges.