It wasn’t a pretty win, but it was the first victory of the Sean Payton era.
After falling behind 28-7, the Denver Broncos rallied in Week 4 to defeat the Chicago Bears 31-28 on the road, securing their first win of the 2023 season.
After the game, Broncos co-owner/CEO Greg Penner gave a game ball to Payton to celebrate his first victory on the job.
“Greg was great,” Payton said after the game. “You know, they wanted me to talk a little bit. I’ve been lucky enough the last five times I’ve been here we won. We’ve been in that locker room talking and listening to music. It’s nice when you come home and even after so many years to win here.
“But hopefully, that’s the first of many relative to where we’re going. We just have a lot of work to do still. But we can enjoy this. These guys can enjoy it. Then we get ready to go next week.”
Payton remained composed as Denver battled back to defeat the Bears in Chicago on Sunday. After the win, quarterback Russell Wilson called the coach a Hall of Famer.
“I’m also happy for Coach Payton,” Wilson said. “He’s an amazing coach, Hall of Fame coach, a guy that teaches the game at the highest level. To get his first win here was really exciting for all of us.”
The Broncos will get an opportunity for another win when they host the 1-3 New York Jets at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 5.
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