Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton knows that one of his play calls in the 30-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7 on Sunday was worth serious scrutiny.
Payton wrapped up his post-game press conference by asking why nobody asked him about the decision.
"Why didn't anyone ask me about the dumb play call, the dumb reverse call?" Payton asked media members. "That would be one of the first calls! I'm gonna answer, [pretending] everyone asked the question: It was awful! All right, I'm sorry!
"If you look it up, in 2008 (it was actually in Week 13 in 2007), in a similar situation, even a more radical reverse, fumbled, Tampa Bay beat us. I know better, and every once in a while, you fall in love with a play and so, that would have been a good question."
“It was awful… I’m sorry!”
— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) October 26, 2026
🗣️ Sean Payton apologizes for the “dumb reverse play” that was eerily similar to one from 2008.#broncoscountry pic.twitter.com/g7Whk0tnvF
The play in question came in the late stages of the fourth quarter, when quarterback Bo Nix pitched the ball to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who then bobbled the ball, recovered his own fumble, and came up holding his chest.
Prior to Week 7, Waddle had been limited in practice due to a chest injury, but was well enough to play in the game.
Waddle walked off the field under his own power, was evaluated in the medical tent, then walked back to the locker room a short time later and did not reappear the rest of the game. Waddle's status will be heavily monitored this week heading into a crucial Week 8 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
For now, Broncos fans hope that Payton immediately purged the failed play call from his playbook and his mind.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton apologizes for ‘dumb’ play call vs. Cardinals
