Broncos' Sean Payton to frustrated Panthers: 'Play better'

Sean Payton insisted Monday that he and the Broncos didn't try to run up the score in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 28-14 win over Carolina.

Payton, who addressed the matter in part after the game after exchanging ideas with Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, was asked directly Monday about the Carolina players' frustration.

“I know, I know, I know, I know,” he said before the question was even asked.

“I said it last night: We try to finish a game the right way,” Payton said. “We’re not trying to get ahead of anyone. It's the National Football League. I’ve played games with a 28-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost, so we’re trying to finish.”

After the game, Panthers players had trouble with two plays in particular: a fake 60-yard field goal attempt and a trick play on fourth-and-2 where receiver Courtland Sutton passed the ball 28 yards to fullback Mike Burton threw.

Carolina's players also expressed some frustration just before Sutton fumbled the ball at the goal line with 2 minutes, 13 seconds left. Denver led 28-7 and called a timeout with 2:21 left before throwing the ball from the Panthers' 9-yard line on third-and-4.

“The Burton throw from Sutton is trying to continue a drive,” Payton said. “Play better.”

After the game, Carolina first-year head coach Dave Canales noted that some players on his team were frustrated with the way the Broncos played across the board, but he downplayed the significance.

“They’re just competing. (Paytons) are vying to make sure they can stay on the field, run out the clock and finish the game in that situation,” he said. “If that’s the call that was set up there, it’s their decision.”