Breaking News: The 49ers have suspended three key players for betting against the team……

Sean Payton is known for one of the boldest moves in Super Bowl history when he shocked the Indianapolis Colts with a surprise onside kick at the start of the second half of Super Bowl 34, helping the New Orleans Saints win their first-ever Lombardi Trophy. Last year, in his Denver Broncos debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, Payton tried a similar onside kick. However, it failed when cornerback Tremon Smith touched the ball too early, potentially costing Payton a win in his first game as Broncos coach. Nevertheless, it highlighted Payton’s willingness to take risks, a trait that appealed to Broncos owner Greg Penner, who brought him from his broadcasting role at Fox.

Changes to the NFL’s rules have since limited onside kick attempts to the fourth quarter and only when a team is trailing. Additionally, teams must declare their intent to attempt one. Two teams tried and failed this past Sunday: Green Bay’s Evan Williams recovered the Colts’ onside kick with under two minutes left, and Minnesota’s Nick Muse secured one against the 49ers.

The Broncos considered attempting an onside kick when they narrowed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lead to 13-6 late in the game. Despite his reputation as the “King of the Onside Kick,” Payton opted for a conventional kickoff. The Steelers ran down the clock before punting, leaving Denver with just nine seconds to make a last-ditch attempt. Quarterback Bo Nix’s final pass was intercepted, sealing the Steelers’ victory.

Payton’s decision not to go for the onside kick raised eyebrows, especially following a conservative call earlier when he opted for a field goal on fourth-and-6, maintaining a two-score deficit.

Denver’s struggling ground game has been another issue. Rookie running back Tyler Badie provided a spark with a 16-yard run but didn’t get another carry for the rest of the game. Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, who carried the bulk of the load, failed to gain much ground. When asked why Badie wasn’t given more opportunities, Payton acknowledged the difficulty of incorporating a third back into the rotation, though he admitted he needed to be more aware of such moments as a play-caller.