sports
Broncos Players Reject Fake Punt, Force Bills Interception in Overtime Win
Denver defeated Buffalo in the AFC divisional round after coach Sean Payton's planned fake punt was rejected at the line. ESPN reporter Seth Wickersham documented the two-week playoff period with the team.
Jul 8, 8:15 AM·1m read1 source
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The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round playoff game after coach Sean Payton called a fake punt on fourth down in overtime that players vetoed at the line of scrimmage. Payton had prepared the play, named Rutgers Special, for a year specifically for a late situation against Buffalo out of respect for quarterback Josh Allen.
The Broncos punted instead, after which Allen threw an interception.
ESPN's Seth Wickersham spent the two weeks of the Broncos' playoff run with Payton, attending staff meetings, team meetings, practices, pep talks and arguments, including game-planning sessions that lasted until 2 a.m. Payton shared his sleep scores with Wickersham during that period. Payton also made phone calls with Bill Parcells and Jerry Rice seeking advice on addressing the team.
After the Buffalo game, the Broncos' vice president of player health and performance told Payton that quarterback Bo Nix had broken his ankle. In 2024 Payton had maintained a secret plan to propose that the Broncos hire Bill Belichick as temporary head coach until Belichick broke Don Shula's record for most NFL wins.
