Rookie Bo Nix takes on Sean Payton and stakes his claim as the leader of the red-hot Broncos

DENVER (AP) — Rookie Bo Nix did something Russell Wilson never did last year, yelling at Sean Payton when he erupted because his quarterback went off script.

The Side interaction came when the Broncos' offense retreated to the sideline after Tony Franklin dropped a deep pass in the end zone in the third quarter Denver's 34-18 win about the Las Vegas Raiders.

Payton said Nix overturned the play call and he wasn't happy about it. When Nix came off the field, he lay on him – and Nix immediately clapped back.

“There’s still a little bit of Ferris Bueller in him that we want to get rid of,” Payton said afterwards. “I love him more than anything. And sometimes (what you saw) is my love language.”

Funny that he called it that, because Nix refused to say what the lively discussion was about.

“He turned around, looked at me and said, 'I love you,'” Nix joked, “and I said, 'I love you.'”

As for the Ferris Bueller reference, Nix said, “Yeah, I saw the movie. In a literal sense I think it explains the situation. We were out there with intensity and fire.”

Who was right and who was wrong didn't matter. What Nix did was establish himself as a leader who showed why there is a “C” on his jersey, as a rookie who earned the trust of his teammates.

Tight end Adam Trautman, who saw many heated interactions between Payton and Drew Brees during their time with the Saints, said the players respect a quarterback who is as passionate as the coach.

“They are two very competitive people and they love each other and love working with each other. So it's not a problem at all. This is a very good thing,” Trautman said. “I think it's a good thing when your quarterback shows up and is fiery and stuff like that.

“That’s what you want to play for as a player and what you want to come into the group with. I mean, it's whatever happened along the way. But I can make sure that as players we absolutely respect things like that.”

On the show, Fox analyst Daryl Johnston said: “Advice from Drew Brees: Sean Payton is going to have high standards for you.” You have to be demanding again. There is a part of this relationship. And I tell you, you have to have respect. These things will happen over the course of a game. When you're between the white lines and being competitive, sometimes tempers can flare a little.

“But these two will be in lockstep in the future. I think that’s a great example of what Drew Brees was talking about.”

After the sideline argument, Nix managed with surgical efficiency to propel Denver to two fourth-quarter touchdowns, sneaking downfield from the 1 and hitting Josh Reynolds with a 9-yard dart.

The entire episode was so different from last season, when Wilson spontaneously struck out during a 42-17 loss in Detroit and Payton picked him off on the sideline. Wilson just stood there and didn't answer. (He would start just one more game for Denver before being benched in advance of his offseason release.)

Payton said Monday that he likes having a quarterback in Nix who stands up for himself.

“Absolutely. Absolutely. All good,” Payton said. “It's the heat of the moment, it's the game, it's competitive and he's fiery. Look, we're in the business of passion. We're looking for passion and we're looking for people with passion for the game, not for other things And I think that's so important to him.

“And again I was thrilled with his reaction and we’re on to the next play and it’s nothing.”

What works

Many thanks to Patrick Surtain II 100-yard interception return for a touchdownIn 2021, the Broncos scored more points than they have since Week 14 of the 2021 season against Detroit (38).

What needs help

The Broncos were 3-for-12 on third down, compared to the Raiders' 7-for-15 finish. Three takeaways from Denver to zero from Las Vegas ensured third downs were a secondary concern, but the Broncos need to improve in that area on both sides of the ball.

Stock up

A week after making his first NFL start and sacking Aaron Rodgers on the first snap, ILB Justin Strnad led the Broncos with nine tackles on Sunday, including seven solo.

Inventory reduced

TE Greg Dulich has been a healthy scratch this season with just five catches for 28 yards.

Injuries

The injury bug has hit the offensive line. C Matt Wattenberg left in the fourth quarter with an unspecified injury after Nix scored on a sneak from the 1st minute. Alex Forsyth replaced him. At the start of the second half, RT Alex Palczewski (ankle) was replaced by Matt Peart. Palczewski started in place of Mike McGlinchey (knee), who will miss another week on injured reserve.

Key numbers

11 – The number of players who caught a pass on Sunday, a franchise record.

6 of 8 – Denver's success in the red zone during its three-game winning streak, excluding Sunday's loss.

Next Steps

The Broncos host the Los Angeles Chargers with a chance to get two games above .500 for the first time since October 3, 2021, a 52-game stretch.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl