During a challenging game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Evan Engram’s body language spoke volumes, prompting head coach Sean Payton to address his frustrations. Despite being a key player for the Denver Broncos, Engram had not been receiving the touches he needed throughout the game and the season. In the first offensive series of 2025, Payton opted to utilize reserve tight end Lucas Krull and kept reliable tight end Adam Trautman on the field for most snaps. As the Broncos struggled in Philadelphia, Engram, who signed a lucrative $23 million contract, appeared more of a liability in Payton's offense than a threat to the opposing defenses.
As the third quarter progressed, Engram had only managed one catch for a staggering minus-3 yards, which led Payton to intervene. Postgame, Payton admitted, "I was pissed at him. He was pissed at me." However, this moment of tension sparked a pivotal breakthrough for the Broncos, culminating in a dramatic 21-17 victory over the Eagles. Engram echoed the sentiment, stating, “I like to be coached hard. Sean will definitely let you know when he’s upset. So it was just good to start getting involved and help the offense.”
In a crucial fourth-quarter drive, Payton made a concerted effort to involve Engram, and the tight end responded decisively. He made an impressive 18-yard catch over the middle, showcasing his height and agility as he stretched for a fingertip grab on a much-needed first down. As the Broncos advanced into the Eagles' red zone, quarterback Nix faced pressure from Eagles linebacker Joshua Uche Jr.. With options limited, Nix turned to Engram, who had positioned himself as a safety valve beyond the line of scrimmage.
Engram seized the opportunity, catching Nix's pass and evading the diving tackle attempt from Philadelphia's Jalen Carter. He then lunged into the end zone, marking his first touchdown in a Broncos uniform. After the game, Nix praised Engram, stating, “He adds a level of experience and competitive nature that not everybody in that situation has.” This moment not only highlighted Engram's potential but also emphasized his resilience despite a slow start to the season.
Payton confirmed that Engram was not Nix's primary read on that game-tying score, which indicates a significant development for the Broncos' offense. Engram's slow start should not be attributed to a lack of offensive design; both Nix and Payton had previously noted that plays were scripted specifically for him. However, Engram’s limited presence on the field during plays where he wasn’t the primary target has hindered his performance.
“This is a process,” Engram remarked, reflecting on his four-catch, 33-yard day that felt more impactful than what the stats suggested. Teammate Trent Sherfield emphasized the need for patience, stating, “It’s been a couple of weeks. It’s literally Week 5.” The dynamic nature of the Broncos' personnel groupings contributes to fluctuating receiver production, making it difficult to predict consistent contributions from players like Engram.
As the Broncos look to the future, Payton has assured fans that they are not playing a "fantasy game" with Engram. The recent victory against the Eagles may very well lay the groundwork for more consistent contributions from their most prominent free-agent acquisition. “I think he showed today,” Nix noted, “that he's on the right track.”
For more in-depth analysis and updates about the Denver Broncos and the NFL, consider signing up for the Broncos Insider. Stay informed and never miss a moment of the action as the season unfolds!
