Broncos coach Sean Payton takes subtle jab at Pro Football Focus

“If we’re looking at PFF, then I understand why the numbers might [be off],” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of the team’s play-action plays.

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton does not seem to be a big fan of Pro Football Focus, a website that tracks advanced NFL stats and grades players on a 0-to-100 scale (we track the grades each week).

During his Zoom conference call with reporters on Monday, Payton was asked about not using play-action pass plays more often. In his response, Payton gave a subtle jab to PFF.

“I would question the numbers because I think we have used it a lot, so it would all start with who’s charting it,” Payton said. “If we’re looking at PFF, then I understand why the numbers might not say we’ve used it a lot. It’s something that’s a big part of our game, so I think it will continue to be.”

Payton rejected the notion that Denver’s offense does not utilize play-action as much as it should. Fantasylife.com — no word on how Payton feels about that website — credits Nix with 54 play-action pass attempts, 10th-most in the NFL this season.

So the Broncos are clearly utilizing play-action, and Payton does not seem to be a big believer in PFF’s data.

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