Breaking; Broncos Former 7th-Round Draft Pick Gets Honest About Position Change
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton acted on his Week 10 postgame remarks by making an adjustment for Week 11’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Following a week of analysis, Payton addressed a recurring issue involving offensive lineman Alex Forsyth, whose blocked field goal attempt against the Kansas City Chiefs highlighted a need for change.
Payton shifted Forsyth, Denver’s backup center, from the left tight end spot—where he faced overload rushes on field goal teams—to the wing position, which offers more one-on-one matchups.
Forsyth adapted well to the switch. “We just changed up the technique,” Forsyth shared with 9News’ Mike Klis on November 17. “We wanted to learn from it, and this adjustment really helped us this week.”
Following the Chiefs game, Forsyth received support from teammates like left tackle Garett Bolles and Bo Nix.
“It’s really unfortunate and unfair that a single play can be pinned on one moment or blamed on one person,” Bo Nix told reporters on November 13. “Nobody puts in the work like Alex Forsyth. He prepares all week, studying every setup and every look he might face to put our team in the best position possible.”
Nix continued, “It’s tough, but that’s part of the game we play—every mistake is on national TV, and everyone sees it, leading to a lot of criticism. But people should understand just how valuable Alex is to our team and how respected he is in our locker room. It honestly makes me upset that people can talk about him without knowing how hard he works, how he handles things, and the way he plays.”
Alex Forsyth Reacts to Teammates’ Support
Bo Nix and Alex Forsyth shared the field as teammates at Oregon in 2022 before Forsyth was selected by the Broncos as a seventh-round pick in 2023. He also provided insight to the Broncos during their pre-draft scouting of Nix.
Reflecting on Forsyth’s resilience, Nix said, “I have no doubt Alex is going to bounce back better than anyone else. He cares deeply, and everyone in our locker room believes in him to overcome and respond.”
Nix continued, “What happened to him is tough. It’s something many of us have gone through, and unfortunately, you just have to move on. Alex is incredibly mentally tough, with more life experience than many of us, and I know he’ll handle this adversity. I’m looking forward to seeing him grow and respond. As much as he already puts in, I can’t imagine how much more he’ll push himself.”
Expressing pride in Forsyth, Nix added, “I respect him immensely. It’s hard to watch him go through this, but it’s part of the game we signed up for. I’m proud to be on his team and call him a teammate.”
Forsyth, who was deeply affected by the moment, said, “I felt awful, like I let everyone down. I can’t really describe how terrible it felt, and I definitely don’t want to feel that way again,” he shared with Mike Klis. “The support from my teammates has been incredible. They stood by me, and we made the necessary adjustments.”
Former OL Defend Alex Forsyth, Question Broncos’ Approach
Former Broncos offensive linemen Jared Veldheer and Tyler Polumbus offered their support for Alex Forsyth, shedding light on other factors that contributed to the blocked field goal.
On November 14, Veldheer took to X, saying, “What was the issue here? I think the biggest issues were no TE support (my man is trying to block 3 dudes) and an extremely low kick from [Wil] Lutz.” Veldheer’s comment highlighted the lack of assistance Forsyth had in blocking multiple rushers. Broncos special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica noted that Lutz preferred the ball’s placement.
Polumbus, addressing similar issues he’d observed with the Falcons, posted on November 15, “You guys will never believe this incredible opportunity I found for the Broncos to rush the TE’s on Falcons field goal. Blocked kick, getting their a**** kicked. (I’ve never seen TE’s get beat in field goal [eyeroll emojis]).”
Both veterans pointed to situational challenges Forsyth faced, providing perspective on how team dynamics, rather than individual mistakes, can impact field goal attempts.