Broncos Coach Sean Payton Tells Panthers To ‘Play Better’ After Being Accused Of Running Up The Score

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton made sure to get his money’s worth as his team blew out the Carolina Panthers. Leading 28-7 in the fourth quarter, the former Super Bowl-winning coach dialed up two trick plays as he toyed with the lowly Panthers.

After the game, Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn shouted in his direction as Payton shook hands with Carolina coach Dave Canales, accusing him of trying to run up the score. Payton, emotional after Denver’s second straight win to put them over .500, defended his play-calling with the game out of reach.

“Listen, I said it [Sunday] night; we’re trying to finish the game the right way. We’re not trying to run up the score on anyone. It’s the National Football League,” he said. “I’ve been in games with a 28-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost, so we’re trying to finish. Play better.”

What makes the interaction more entertaining is that Payton coached Horn’s father, Joe, during his time with the New Orleans Saints and addressed his feelings about Jaycee.

“I don’t know what the exchange was, but his father I enjoyed coaching,” he said. “He was frustrated, I think he was yelling at one of our other players. I like him. I think he’s a good player.”

Horn was unavailable after the game and did not comment on his interaction during his media availability yesterday.

Whether the former first-round pick felt Payton ran up the score or not, it is clear that the frustration of a dismal season in Carolina boiled over. The Panthers hold the worst record in the NFL, sitting at 1-7, and have lost five games in a row, all by double digits. Former #1 overall pick Bryce Young started on Sunday, struggling again with two interceptions and 224 yards passing.

The Panthers take on the Saints this weekend at home, trying to make amends for their 40-7 loss to their division rival earlier in the season.