Broncos tight end Evan Engram scores critical late-game touchdown to beat Eagles

PHILADELPHIA — A fiery exchange between Sean Payton and Evan Engram laid the groundwork for a breakout performance. 

“I got pissed at him and he was pissed at me,” Payton said. 

Engram explained: “It was pretty quick. I guess he didn’t like my body language.” 

The Broncos defeated the Eagles, 21-17, on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. A brief but heated chat between head coach and tight end preceded arguably Denver’s biggest play in a comeback victory over the defending Super Bowl champions. 

The Broncos trailed, 17-10, with under 8 minutes left in regulation with a first down at the Philadelphia 11-yard line. Quarterback Bo Nix rolled out right on play action and surveyed the short field. Engram came off his initial block and found a soft spot in the middle of Philadelphia’s coverage. Nix delivered the quick pass, and Engram made his move. 

The veteran tight end broke two tackles before diving into the end zone for his first Broncos touchdown since signing in free agency. Denver converted a two-point conversion — Nix passing to wide receiver Troy Franklin — to pull ahead 18-17 and never looked back.

It was a rollercoaster game for Engram. He went into halftime with one catch for minus-3 yards. Engram finished the game with four receptions for 33 yards and a critical touchdown after Payton got into his ear. 

“I just got after him a little just because I knew that he hadn’t gotten the touches,” Payton said. “Then it was like, alright, let’s find these throws real quick. He responded, and it was kind of a good thing. … He’s a great weapon. He made some big plays, obviously, the touchdown. He’s not the primary (target) and the guy is in the quarterback’s face. He made some big plays for us.” 

It’s been a work in progress for Engram to gain chemistry in Payton’s offense with Nix at quarterback. Engram missed playing time earlier this season due to calf and back injuries. He tallied just eight catches for 62 yards entering Week 5 against the Eagles. Engram played on only 40% of the team’s offensive snaps over that span. 

Engram never lost faith in Nix or his ability to contribute.  

“That stuff takes time, and it takes stepping up in moments like that,” Engram said. “I think (Nix) played great. I think he does a great job of preparation. I think he does a great job of preparation. I think he does a great job of staying present during the game and doing his job to the best of his ability. All of that stuff will come. I just think we’ve just got to continue to just be better as an offense and continue to try and even clean up what we need to clean up after this one.

“But it’s definitely a good one to get. Definitely a really good one to build on.” 

Nix described Engram as a “great teammate” following the road win over Philadelphia. Nix specifically called out work ethic and preparation as reasons why Engram has earned trust in the locker room. 

“He adds a level of experience (and) competitive nature that not everybody in that situation has. Especially not playing a whole lot, probably as much as he wanted to, but he never really complained,” Nix said. “He never wavered. He just kind of figured out how he can be pieced in, and then once his moment showed up today, he made a couple of really huge catches on those drives — and breaking a tackle to go score was big. You don’t have to run any more plays against a tough red zone defense. It was really good to see him get into the end zone.  

“I’m excited for what’s to come for him. … It’s just trying to build certain things and put him in places to succeed. I think he showed today that he’s on the right track.” 

Right guard Quinn Meinerz added: “I’ve loved having (Engram) as my teammate. He works his tail off all the time. He’s constantly doing the recovery stuff. He’s just a great person to be around, and so I was really excited to see him have a crucial play in a crucial moment and get us on top.” 

Engram made significant progress Sunday toward fulfilling high expectations. The Broncos signed him to a two-year deal with $16.5 million guaranteed to be a versatile playmaker. It remains a work in progress.

But a little tough love from Payton on Sunday seemed to provide Engram with a needed spark. 

“I appreciate hard coaching. Honestly, I don’t like that any other way,” Engram said. “I like to be pushed hard. Sean will definitely let you know. Whenever he’s upset, he’ll let you know, even when he’s excited and happy, too.”