Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn't want to add fuel to his rivalry with New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett following Sunday's game between the two teams.
When asked whether Hackett got his revenge for Payton's disparaging offseason comments following the Jets' 31-21 win, Payton told reporters, "Listen, they played better than us. I credit Robert [Saleh] and that staff. They won the game. That's how I look at it."
9NEWS Sports Denver @9NEWSSports"This one hurts." 🗣️ Broncos head coach Sean Payton on losing to the Jets, and addressing his comments about Nathaniel Hackett. <a href="">#BroncosCountry</a><br><br>GAME STORY: <a href=""> <a href="">
In July, Payton called Hackett's tenure as head coach of the Broncos in 2022 "one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL." Also, he accused the Jets of "trying to win the offseason" after acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers and being tabbed as the subject of Hard Knocks on HBO.
The Jets made Payton eat his words on Sunday, sending Broncos fans home unhappy from Empower Field at Mile High. New York running back Breece Hall ran for 177 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The game was sealed when Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson fumbled the ball after being sacked by Quincy Williams and Bryce Hall returned it 37 yards for a touchdown with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter.
Hackett was congratulated by multiple people on the sideline after Hall's score:
Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdateA bunch of congratulatory hugs for <a href="">#Jets</a> OC Nathaniel Hackett after their win over his former team. <br><br> <a href="">
The Jets' social media team also took a small shot at Payton:
New York Jets @nyjetswhen you lose to the "offseason champs" <a href="">
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Hackett was actually tabbed as a fourth captain for Sunday's game, much to the delight of Jets players. He also received the game ball following the victory.
The Jets, who snapped a three-game losing streak, will look to keep the momentum going when they host the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday.
