DENVER — Sean Payton insisted Monday he and the Broncos were not trying to run up the score in the fourth quarter of a 28-14 win Sunday against Carolina.

Payton, who partially addressed the matter after the game after he exchanged words with Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, was asked directly about frustrations from Carolina players on Monday.

“I know, I know, I know, I know,” he said before the question was even asked.

“I said it last night: We’re trying to finish a game the right way,” Payton said. “We’re not trying to run up the score on anyone. It’s the National Football League. I’ve been in games with a 28-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost, so we’re trying to finish.”

Panthers players after the game took issue with two plays in particular: a faked 60-yard field goal attempt and a trick play on fourth-and-2 where receiver Courtland Sutton threw the ball to fullback Mike Burton for 28 yards.

Carolina players also showed some frustration just before Sutton fumbled the ball at the goal line with 2 minutes, 13 seconds remaining. Denver was up 28-7 and took a timeout with 2:21 left before throwing the ball on third-and-4 from the Panthers’ 9-yard line.

“The Burton throw from Sutton is trying to continue a drive,” Payton said. “Play better.”

After the game Carolina first-year head coach Dave Canales noted that some players on his team were frustrated by the way the Broncos played down the stretch, but he downplayed the significance.

“They’re just competing. (Payton’s) competing to try to make sure they can stay on the field, run the clock out and end the game in that situation,” he said. “If that happens to be the call that was set up there, that’s their decision to make.”

Payton pointed to the intended target on the trick play.

“We’re trying to extend the drive. I’m throwing the ball to my fullback, Burton. So not necessarily expecting a touchdown,” he said. “We’re trying to close a game out. It wasn’t 50, 60 or 70. I didn’t look at that at all. I just looked at that as us trying to win a football game and learn to close out a game.”

Payton and the Broncos know the other side of the coin well, of course. Last year they lost Week 3 at Miami 70-20 and after the game Payton said he didn’t blame Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel for the historic result.

Panthers safety and special teams captain Sam Franklin disagreed with Payton’s sentiment this time around, according to The Athletic.

“We just felt like it was something that could have been avoided, like you shouldn’t have to try to run the score up even though you’re already winning,” Franklin said. “There’s five minutes left. You guys doing trick plays, still trying to score. Basically just trying to embarrass us.”

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