The stakes are high for the Broncos in their matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday, but head coach Sean Payton enjoys it. In fact, he craves these pressured situations.
“It’s addictive,” he said. “As great as it feels when you win and all the things that go into it, it’s like the opposite when you don’t. It’s like misery — you can’t wait for the next weekend.”
If the Broncos want to have any shot at the postseason, they have to win the final three games, starting with their home matchup on Christmas Eve. At 7-7, Denver has a 22% chance of making the playoffs, according to the New York Times postseason simulator.
With a win over the struggling Patriots, the Broncos’ odds increase to 35% but a loss drops their chances to 3% — meaning their season is basically over.
Payton said each hour has mattered since the Broncos have been in the playoff hunt. He added it’s much different compared to when a team is not competing for the postseason.
“When you are not in that track, there’s a handful of things that matter. Maybe six hours a week,” he said.
Payton’s commitment to practice, studying film, game planning and organizing meetings has made it hard for him to get into the Christmas spirit. He said he hasn’t had an opportunity to do any gift shopping.
“We’re kind of in the entertainment business, so it’s part of the deal,” he said. “When my kids were younger, (it) might’ve been the 23rd when Santa came or the 26th, depending on the week.”
Bonitto will not play on Sunday: Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (MCL) has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Patriots. Bonitto has not practiced this week, though Payton had expressed his optimism in the former Oklahoma standout’s recovery.
Tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot) and offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (knee) will not play on Sunday. Dulcich hasn’t practiced since last Wednesday, as he has dealt with swelling and soreness in his foot. Payton remains hopeful that Dulcich will return before the end of the regular season.
No decision made on Jackson: Payton hasn’t made a decision on whether veteran safety Kareem Jackson will be active against the Patriots after serving a four-game suspension.
“There are probably three or four things that we look at and communicate. We’ll see where it’s at (for Sunday),” he said.
When safety P.J. Locke was asked whether he was starting, he said it depends on what the coaching staff wants to do.
“I’m just here to help the team in whatever way possible. I don’t know. We’ll see,” he said.
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