The Denver Broncos icon believes Sean Payton will have his head in his hands over one decision in the AFC Conference Championship game against the New England Patriots
Denver Broncos legend Brandon Stokley fears Sean Payton will be having nightmares at his season-costing decision. Two-time Super Bowl winner didn’t hold back on the decision-making that saw the Broncos fall at the final hurdle in the narrow 10-7 AFC Championship defeat by the New England Patriots in a snowy Mile High thriller.
But it wasn’t the weather that left Stokley cold – it was a controversial call in the second quarter that he believes cost them a ticket to Super Bowl LX.
“Kick the damn field goal!” Said Stokley, shaking his head at the memory of Payton choosing to go for it on 4th and 1 rather than taking the easy three points. “What are you doing son? Kick the field goal, man – come on!
“They had a chance to go up two scores, 10-0. It was a chip shot field goal.”
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Stokley says that with rookie sensation Bo Nix sidelined by a late-season injury, the pressure on backup Jarrett Stidham was already sky-high.
“You have a backup quarterback playing. Take the points, put the pressure on the Patriots. That was the second quarter they went for… in the first quarter, the Patriots had three drives, they had 12 plays, and they had 12 yards. The defense was playing great for the Broncos.”
The former wide receiver, who knows a thing or two about winning under pressure, laid the blame squarely at the feet of the man in the visor.
He said “That was on the coach, Sean Payton. He’s the captain of the ship, he’s the one making all those decisions. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, and unfortunately, in that case, it didn’t work and it ended up costing the Broncos.
“I know Sean Payton is kicking himself for not taking the points there. They definitely should have taken the points.”
Despite the 14-3 regular-season record – the best since the Peyton Manning era – Stokley is convinced that one moment of madness stopped them from playing for the Lombardi Trophy.
“If they kicked the field goal, there’s no doubt in my mind they were the better football team. They kicked that field goal, they win that game and then they’re playing in the Super Bowl.”
While the loss stings, Stokley is bullish about the future of his former team, especially their young signal-caller. Bo Nix has revitalised a franchise that spent years in the wilderness, and Stokley is a believer.
“He’s certainly the guy to take them to the next level,” he said of the Oregon product.
“He has shown in his first two years that there’s no moment too big for him – he’s clutch. He makes big plays for a young quarterback, he’s been everything and more here for the Denver Broncos. He’s definitely the guy moving forward.”
But even with a franchise QB in place, Stokley warned that the front office cannot rest on its laurels this summer. He has a very specific shopping list to ensure Nix isn’t fighting a lone battle in 2026.
“You’ve got to get more help for Bo Nix, you need another receiver, tight ends,” Stokley insisted.
“Give me two tight ends this offseason, and another running back.
“Bo Nix hasn’t had a lot of help these first couple years, so it’s time for offense, offense, offense this offseason. Help Bo Nix out a little bit more.”
Brandon Stokley was speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest NFL odds ahead of the Super Bowl.
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