Broncos coach Sean Payton let Bo Nix down with 44 passes against Seattle

SEATTLE — Bo Nix became Boo Nix. He was not Brees Knees.

None of this was particularly surprising given the time and place. Rookie quarterbacks are now 4-15 at Lumen Field. And in his debut, Nix looked scared and missed the target too often before offering hope with a nervous fourth-quarter drive that made the final outcome more palatable.

It was disturbing, but predictable and understandable.

What wasn’t the case was Sean Payton’s performance. As long as Payton works in Denver, he will shadowbox his championship past. It will serve as the basis for his evaluation.

And Sunday Payton wasn’t good enough. She made too many confusing decisions to be acceptable for someone of his pedigree.

His resume suggests an offensive genius, and the Broncos delivered seven three-and-out drives. They were 5 of 18 on third down. They scored nine points on three red zone trips.

On Sunday, Payton played his 276th game as head coach. It was the first for Seattle’s Mike Macdonald.

So why were the Seahawks more efficient, opportunistic and disciplined? Why were they able to make halftime adjustments when Payton called it overrated last season? Between bites of fruit and gulps of Gatorade, how did Seattle offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb come up with the idea of ​​passing the ball to running back Kenneth Walker III?

That’s the clarity the Broncos demanded from Payton. He had to win the chessboard. He had to set higher standards. On a team full of young players and a superstar (cornerback Pat Surtain II), the boss is the most successful and best-paid employee. He can’t have a bad day.

There are numerous fingerprints on this loss, but Payton bears the brunt of the blame.

“I have to get better,” Payton admitted.