Sean Payton of the Broncos: Chiefs Deserve to Give Players a Break
The Broncos could secure a spot in the playoffs with a victory on Sunday, and Denver's coach Sean Payton is not worried about facing a weakened opponent.
Denver (9-7) will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), who have already secured the AFC West title and the top seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs have decided to rest their starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other key players in their final regular-season game to keep them healthy for a potential third consecutive Super Bowl win.
Payton stated on Wednesday, "Our focus needs to be on this team as a whole. There will likely be some changes in personnel..."
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"Credit to Kansas City, their coach Andy Reid, and their team. When you have a 15-1 record, you have the luxury of making those decisions. I've been in that position before where your team needs a break here and there. They have earned that right and it's part of the game. For us, it's about understanding their schemes and being prepared to play our best."
The Chiefs' backup quarterback Carson Wentz will start in place of Mahomes. Wentz has a record of 47-45-1 as a starter in the NFL, but he is now on his fifth team in five years and has only made one start in the past two seasons, a win for the Los Angeles Rams one year ago this week.
Payton commented, "He's in this league for a reason. He's a big, strong guy and was a first-round draft pick. We spoke to him and his agents during the offseason. It's not just about the player, it's about everything surrounding them and understanding their game plan."
The Broncos can secure a wild-card spot with a win, or if both the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals lose or tie this weekend.
"I have a lot of confidence in this team," Payton stated. "Yes, this is a big game, but I believe we will play in bigger ones. It's a divisional opponent and we are facing a team with a championship pedigree. They are well-coached and we have a lot of respect for what they have achieved."
"We know we will have to play well. That's what makes coaching and playing in this league so exciting. It's important that we have a good week of preparation."
