The Denver Broncos got a big win over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football last week, cruising to a 33-10 victory on the road.
Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix attempted 26 passes in the game, targeting seven different wide receivers, tight ends and running backs.
Courtland Sutton, the team’s No. 1 receiver, did not draw a single target.
Denver coach Sean Payton explained during his Wednesday press conference that it wasn’t an intentional part of the game plan, it was just the way the game played out.
“The best thing about ‘Sut’ is after the game, he didn’t flinch,” Payton said. “We have to keep finding ways because he’s certainly a great weapon for us. It was kind of the way… There were a handful of calls that were intentions where he’s primary, and whether it was coverage or whether it was rush, that can change. We’ll keep working on that.”
Shortly after Payton’s media availability, Sutton spoke to reporters and he had a perfect reaction to not getting any targets in New Orleans.
“We won, that’s all that matters at the end of the day,” Sutton said. “[A] big win. The running backs had a really big game. [The] offensive line blocked their butts off. I think it was all hands on deck. We all had our hands in the run game. It was fun to watch them cut it loose. I think we had like a 6.4. or 6.1 [yard per rush] average, or something like that. That’s amazing when you can run the ball that efficiently and effectively.
“It’s hard to be selfish in that situation. If they’re going to stay in two high [coverage] and dare us to run the ball, we’ll show you we can do it. That’s what we did. It was really fun to watch and be a part of.”
Sutton’s a team captain for a reason.
The Broncos rushed for 225 yards against the Saints, their highest single-game rushing total since 2013. That proved to be a winning formula on Thursday and Sutton’s never going to complain about winning.
“I’ve been talking to y’all for years at this point and y’all know if I go out there and have a 10-catch, 200-yard game and we lose, who really cares at the end of the day?” Sutton said. “Selfishly, it’s a cool stat number to put out there or whatever, but ultimately at the end of the day, we’re trying to get to the playoffs and have a chance to play for the Super Bowl.
“The stats are cool. I know they’ll come. I’m not too stressed about it. I know we have a long season ahead of us. I just feel like it’ll get better over time and it’s nothing to stress about. Winning games are the end of the day ultimately what we want to do.”
Denver is 4-3 after seven games. Up next is a home game against the Carolina Panthers.
[vertical-gallery id=620142]