Sean Payton Addresses 'Animated' Sideline Exchange with Russell Wilson

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton insists he wasn't "that animated" after being caught barking at quarterback Russell Wilson toward the end of Sunday's loss to the New York Jets.

“I don’t think I was that animated," Payton told reporters Monday. "Every attention to exchange or discussions I have with ‘Russ'—I just wanted to make sure he knew the linebacker was a free-rusher, so it wasn’t as big of an exchange or big deal I think maybe as some may have thought.”

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The film doesn't lie — Payton was that animated as the turnover occurred on Denver's penultimate, potentially game-winning drive when an untouched defender corralled a scrambling Wilson from behind. It was returned for a touchdown, resulting in a 31-21 defeat and the club dropping to 1-4 on the season.

The fumble was Wilson's second of the afternoon (the first went out-of-bounds) and, due to an apparent lack of awareness, prompted an emotional response from his normally stoic coach.

Russell Wilson Sean Payton. What a vibe. pic.twitter.com/V46z658OmF
— vinny oats (@SlipperyPete360) October 8, 2023

Wilson finished with 20-of-31 completions for 196 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions, adding 49 rushing yards on seven carries. But his day was marred by miscues — fumbles, sacks, and a first-quarter safety that Wilson admonished himself for.

“Bad play, unfortunate play by me," he said after the game.

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