The Denver Broncos had a comfortable 21-3 lead over the Washington Commanders, finally looking like the renewed team some fans expected them to be.
Then, in the second quarter, safety Kareem Jackson was ejected for a big hit on tight end Logan Thomas as he tried to keep him from scoring.
Thomas still managed to grab the football for a touchdown, and it all went downhill for Sean Payton’s team for the rest of the game.
Ron Rivera’s team rallied with a 32-3 run and grabbed a double-digit lead, eventually winning 35-33 after the Broncos scored on a Hail Mary on the final play of regulation, but failed to get a two-point conversion.
Following the loss, the media asked Payton about whether Jackson’s ejection was a turning point for his team, according to ProFootballTalk:
“You’d have to ask them . . . I don’t think anyone’s getting deflated,” Payton said.
Sean Payton: I don't think anyone got deflated by Kareem Jackson ejection. https://t.co/L24PVVzlf4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 18, 2023
However, the former New Orleans Saints coach downplayed it and told them to ask the players instead.
Jackson had already been fined for a big hit on Las Vegas Raiders’ WR Jakobi Meyers, and he could face a suspension after Thomas was also diagnosed with a concussion.
The league will reportedly make a decision on further discipline on Monday, but it seems like the Broncos have way bigger problems than this.
They’ve fallen to a 0-2 deficit, losing two games they were supposed to win.
Their top-ranked defense was nowhere to be found against Eric Bieniemy’s high-octane offense, and it seems like they’re going to have to make some major tweaks to get things right before it’s too late again.
NEXT: Sean Payton Gives An Update On Jerry Jeudy's Status For Sunday
