Broncos’ Courtland Sutton relishes playoff opportunity: ‘It’s really awesome’

For six years, every season ended the same way for Courtland Sutton: in disappointment.

The AFC championship banners hanging on the walls of the Broncos’ indoor practice field and the three Lombardi trophies placed behind glass in the main concourse were constant reminders of the franchise’s winning tradition.

But, until Sunday afternoon at Empower Field, Sutton said, “We didn’t hold up our end of the bargain.” »

In his seventh season, which began with low expectations, Sutton helped change that. It all started with the Broncos securing a winning record for the first time since 2016 against Indianapolis. And it continued Sunday when Denver (10-7) beat Kansas City, 38-0, in the regular-season finale, ending the franchise’s eight-season playoff drought.

“It’s a great feeling to know we have the opportunity to extend our season,” said the 29-year-old wide receiver. “I’m grateful to do this with the guys in our locker room.”

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has coached his fair share of playoff games. He wanted to make sure Sutton and starting left tackle Garett Bolles could have a chance to play meaningful football in January.

Payton said watching both players benefit from this opportunity is like taking a friend or family member to your favorite movie or restaurant.

“The playoffs or the Super Bowl, those are things you want other people to (experience),” Payton said. “It’s exciting.”

Sutton spent less time thinking about the past and more about those who helped the Broncos return to playoff football. He praised the team’s overall resilience. He credited the defense for holding the Chiefs to 98 total yards. However, his speech about teammate and quarterback Bo Nix being “that guy” could have lasted longer than his 11-minute postgame press conference.

The two players established an effective connection, which was demonstrated again against Kansas City. On Denver’s second drive of the first quarter, Nix dropped back and found Sutton for a 47-yard pass. Two plays later, they connected on a 10-yard touchdown run to give Denver a 14-0 lead with 4:53 left in the second quarter.

Sutton finished with five catches for 98 yards on a team-high seven targets.

“He’s just determined to give his best,” Sutton said of Nix. “Ultimately it makes everyone around him better. I never hesitated.’

Sutton played for more than just a playoff spot on Sunday. It took him just 82 yards to reach 1,065 and receive a $500,000 bonus. He finished the regular season with a career-high 1,081.

Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach joked that Sutton should use the money to buy him a gift.

“We’re going to see that because I’m getting a gift from him and (defensive end John Franklin-Myers),” Roach said.

Roach added that he’s happy Sutton will have the opportunity to play in the postseason because the veteran receiver will be in the national spotlight. “The world can see it. He’s one of the best receivers I’ve ever known.

Sutton had every reason to smile as he left the field. Prior to this season, the team was 38-61 since drafting him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He had played with eight starting quarterbacks and seen his name in trade talks. On Sunday, all that disappointment faded away.

“You can’t expect instant gratification when you run a marathon,” Sutton said. “In those dark times when we were playing the last three or four games without making the playoffs, we had to lean on faith. This is really awesome, man.

Want more Broncos news? Subscribe to the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.