Sean Payton wasn’t worried about the Raiders drama, instead focusing on the Broncos

The Denver Broncos didn’t beat the Las Vegas Raiders with Sean Payton as head coach.

Unfortunately, this has become the norm in Denver.

The Broncos have lost an impressive eight straight games to their hated AFC West rival. The last time Denver beat the Raiders, the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t even happened yet. That was on December 29, 2019.

And there is drama in Vegas. Star wide receiver Davante Adams wants to be traded, and momentum is building about what could happen. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, even if he’s still on the Raiders’ roster, it’s unlikely he’ll play at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday.

But when asked about it on Wednesday, Payton declined to focus on the problems in Sin City.

“We’re very worried about our own house,” Payton said. “You concentrate on your own team. Yes, we pay attention to the other team’s injury report throughout the week. Our time and energy goes into the building. Otherwise I think it would be difficult.”

It’s the right decision for Payton because there’s nothing he can say to his team that will affect whether Adams is out there or not. Still, he knows it’s important to win in the AFC West.

“Look, it’s a divisional opponent. This is our first chance to play against a division opponent. Last year we finished 3-3 in the division. I can’t think of a team that has accomplished anything of value in your division that has finished .500,” Payton said.

It will be a big challenge for the Broncos with the Raiders in town this Sunday and the Chargers next weekend. Payton appreciates how much Denver fans enjoy beating the Silver and Black.

“Take a team like Las Vegas, it certainly has a long history, especially with our fans. “So our job is to play our best football this Sunday and prepare for the game,” Payton said.

The Broncos need to end their losing streak against the Raiders. And Sunday seems like a good opportunity to do just that.