NFL legend criticizes coaches fourth-down aggressiveness after Sean Payton's costly decision in Broncos' loss

The New England Patriots beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 to advance to the Super Bowl, their first under Mike Vrabel. Colin Cowherd asks if it’s shocking that the Patriots made the Super Bowl in Vrabel’s first year as head coach.

Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan said he does not understand the coaches who go for it on fourth down all the time.

Strahan, 54, lamented Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton going for it on fourth down when the Broncos were up 7-0 early in their loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game Sunday.

"Denver, I thought that they should have kicked that field goal, gone up, taken the points," Strahan said during a recent appearance on "New Heights."

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Michael Strahan plays the second hole prior to the 2025 Ryder Cup at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y., Sept. 24, 2025. (Mateo Villalba/Getty Images)

"I don't get these coaches now, because fourth down now is automatic go-for-it more than not. And I get analytics, but you got to feel the team, you got to feel the situation."

With the Broncos starting backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and knowing that the weather was going to become a factor later in the game, Strahan wished the Broncos had taken the points and gone up 10-0. Strahan, who played under Payton during his time with the New York Giants, said he felt bad for the coach.

"I felt bad for Sean Payton, cause Sean Payton coached me back in 2000 or something like that. I love Sean, and I talked to him the day before the game. (He was) very confident (in) what they were doing in the playoffs," Strahan said.

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