In Week 7, it looked like Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss once again got picked on on a highly questionable pass interference call against the Arizona Cardinals. On the play, it seemed like Moss did not contact before the ball arrive, and he broke it up after that. Then, the flag came out.
Moss, who has struggled with penalty woes in his four seasons with the Broncos, was incredulous. Upon replay, it seemed egregious, and All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain agreed that the call was bad on social media.
However, coach Sean Payton had a surprising answer when asked if he'd reviewed the call on Moss.
"I think there’s more to that (call)," Payton told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "I think what we all saw was the finish. I think the way it
was explained to me, I think on that double move, if you went back, I think they were calling really more of a tug before we saw the end. The end was clean, but I think the call came from the earlier portion of the route.”
How is this pass interference on Riley Moss?? pic.twitter.com/3CBFTx1O0g
— RG 📷 (@RyanGreeneDNVR) October 25, 2026
While Payton's perspective of the play is not what fans might expect, it also doesn't reflect the progress Moss has made prior to the season. Moss was said to be one of the standouts of training camp, and already has an interception on the season. Moss missed a game due to a rib injury, but has been reliable even as Surtain has missed several games with an ankle issue.
If Moss can play well the rest of the year, he may just earn himself a new contract, as his deal expires at the end of 2026.
Moss has his next chance to redeem himself from the flags on Sunday, when the Broncos face the Kansas City Chiefs.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos coach Sean Payton had surprising take on controversial Riley Moss DPI
