The Denver Broncos are living on the edge. If a loss against the Chargers 27-34 wasn’t enough, things got much worse. The NFL has issued fines to three Broncos players following their Week 16 loss. Linebacker Jonathon Cooper, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach, and running back Blake Watson are getting the financial sting. Here’s why!

Each of these three players received this news just before their Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The league fined Watson $4,463 for lowering his helmet during a first-quarter run, which falls under inappropriate use of his helmet and unnecessary roughness.

As per Rule 12 Section 2 Article 10 of the NFL Rulebook: It is a foul if a player:

1. Lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent; or
2. Uses any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck.

This also reminds us of the Saquon Barkley incident that happened in October. The NFL fined Eagles’ Barkley $45,020 for unnecessary roughness with his helmet after he and Browns’ defensive tackle Maurice Hurst had a head-on collision. Both players had lowered their helmets as the tops of their helmets hit with quite a force. While Barkley was fined, Hurst was not.

But coming back to the Broncos, Roach was fined $11,255 for taunting. It was seen as unsportsmanlike conduct, which falls under Rule 12 Section 3 Article 1: “Using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams.”

The fine is $11,255 for the first offense and $16,883 for the second offense.

Further, Cooper received a $12,668 fine for a horse-collar tackle on Justin Herbert in the fourth quarter. According to the rules for a horse-collar tackle, “No player shall grab the inside collar of the back or the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, or grab the jersey at the name plate or above, and pull the runner toward the ground. This does not apply to a runner who is in the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket.” (Rule 12 Section 2 Article 16)

Denver’s 34-27 loss to the Chargers was already frustrating, but these fines amplified the sting. With each misstep scrutinized, the Broncos’ margin for error is razor-thin as they chase the postseason. To rub salt into the wound, the Broncos also fell to the Bengals in a pivotal matchup.

The Broncos did have an opportunity to secure a playoff berth with a tie, but head coach Sean Payton chose to play for overtime instead of attempting a two-point conversion for the win. And the final scoreline read 24-30.

The decision drew criticism as the Broncos now face a must-win situation against the Chiefs in Week 18 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Amid the chaos, Sean Payton sent a clear message. But can they deliver under pressure?

Playoff decisions define Sean Payton’s legacy…

Speaking about their Week 17 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, the head coach stated, “This is what we do it for. Meaningful games here. I think its important that you embrace it and it is exciting, you know.”

“There is nothing worse than playing games, the last part of the season where there is nothing at stake. So I think it is something we will all be excited about. ” Is it though?

Asks the Denver fans. Payton’s conservative call against the Bengals drew widespread criticism. Instead of going for two after Bo Nix’s touchdown, Payton opted to play for overtime. When asked about it, Sean Payton hailed the decision as “the right one.”

“If the tie element didn’t go into it, it would have been an easier decision,” Payton said. To put it into context, Nix’s 25-yard pass to Marvin Mims Jr. could have sealed Denver’s playoff spot with a two-point conversion. However, Payton chose the safer route, explaining earlier in the press conference, “We knew a tie was, for us, just as beneficial as a win.” But the move backfired.

Denver lost the coin toss and squandered chances in overtime. Joe Burrow and the Bengals clinched the victory with a late touchdown, leaving Denver’s playoff fate hanging by a thread. On the other hand, Payton also claimed he was not surprised that the Bengals went after Riley Moss.

“Riley could have been healthy for the last eight weeks; whoever is opposite of Pat they’re going to go after,” he added, alluding to the Bengal’s decision having a lot to do with Patrick Frank Surtain II. “That happens when you’re teammates with Pat.” All said and done, Payton’s decision will be debated for months, especially if the Broncos miss the postseason.

It will be interesting to see what happens next. What do you think?