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Payton's Wild Fake Punt Call: Players Said No!
12 Jul
Summary
- Sean Payton drew up a fake punt play for the Bills playoff game.
- Players overruled Payton's fake punt call in overtime.
- A subsequent punt pinned the Bills deep, leading to a crucial interception.
During the 2026 AFC divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton had a unique fake punt play, named 'Baby Shower,' prepared. This play was specifically targeted at Bills player Ja'Marcus Ingram, who had missed practice due to the birth of his child. Payton intended to use this play when facing a crucial fourth down late in the game with a narrow lead.
Remarkably, Payton revealed that the 'Baby Shower' play was called in overtime on fourth-and-11. However, the Broncos' special teams unit ultimately decided against executing the fake punt, much to Payton's dismay. He considered the situation perfect for the trick play.
Separately, running back Tyler Badie also called off the fake before the snap. Despite this, the decision to punt from their own 38-yard line by rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw, who delivered a 55-yard kick, successfully pinned the Bills inside their own 10-yard line. This field position was instrumental in leading to a game-sealing interception by cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian in overtime.
