Sean Payton admitted the Denver Broncos’ comeback against the Los Angeles Rams cannot become a regular occurance, despite the relief of securing another one-score win.

Denver overturned a 16-point deficit to beat the Rams 30-26 at Empower Field on Sunday night, scoring all 30 of their points in the second half.

The Broncos produced only 67 net yards of offence in the opening two quarters compared with 273 from the Rams, while Bo Nix completed just six of 12 passes for 53 yards before the break.

Denver eventually finished 225 yards behind Los Angeles in total offence, with the Rams gaining 482 yards to the Broncos’ 257. Los Angeles also ran 22 more plays than Denver, 82 to 60.

Payton was encouraged by the response but remains concerned about how slowly his team starts games.

“I’m pleased with how we responded,” Payton said. “But we can’t, like – that’ll cost us in bigger games. It will be something we’re frustrated about later if we can’t clean it up.

“I’m comfortable with the grit of a team that can play well in the fourth quarter,” Payton continued. “I’m uncomfortable with how we play at the start of games.

“You’re going to be in tight games, but as the head coach, you can’t possibly be comfortable with the way the first half unfolded.”

Nix leads another fourth-quarter comeback

Nix once again played a major role in Denver’s recovery, recording his 10th fourth-quarter comeback win since the start of the 2024 NFL season.

After struggling before half-time, the quarterback helped drive the Broncos’ second-half surge with three touchdowns, throwing two and rushing for another.

“A good team finish, it just feels like our DNA,” Nix said.

Payton wants the Broncos’ resilience to support better overall performances rather than repeatedly rescuing poor starts.

“We have to find a way to play better earlier,” Payton said. “That area needs to get better.

“There’s just a lot I think we can be better at. We’re not there. I’m excited about the win, but man, tough first half. That has to be better.”