Overview

• After back-to-back last‑second losses, Sean Payton said the offense lacks a clear identity and put the onus on coaches to establish it.
• Payton told Bo Nix to "just keep firing" on deep shots despite recent overthrows, with Nix at 535 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions through three games.
• Advanced metrics highlight inconsistency beyond short throws for Nix, including a 4-for-12 line with two picks on intermediate attempts this season per Pro Football Focus.
• Denver leads the NFL in sacks, a potential edge against Bengals starter Jake Browning, who replaces injured Joe Burrow and has five interceptions across two appearances.
• Monday’s kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET at Empower Field, with local coverage framing it as a pivotal chance to avoid a 1-3 start against a Cincinnati team coming off a 48-10 defeat.