HEAD COACH LIAM COEN
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025
(On the importance of the game this weekend) “Again, to go play a competitive, meaningful
game in December is really what it comes down to. In a hostile environment, very quality
opponent, a team that’s won the fourth quarter in a lot of football games over the last two
years, so it’s a great opportunity for us to go compete and earn everything we get.”
(On what makes Broncos CB Pat Surtain II great) “The length, speed, combination,
physicality, ball skills, anticipation, you name it. Very talented player, competitive, will
tackle, he’s kind of got all the skills and traits, obviously reigning Defensive Player of the
Year. So very talented player that we’ve got to be aware of, have to go and win one-on-one
matchups when we do have those opportunities, and give our guys quality throws to put in
places where he can’t go get his length and hands on it. So definitely somebody that we
need to be aware of throughout the entire game.”
(On preparing for Broncos QB Bo Nix and his rushing ability) “Yeah, [QB] Carter Bradley and
Nick [QB Nick Mullens] will be able to help us out with that a little bit this week. And look,
he’s done a great job moving off his spot. When he is playing on timing and rhythm, he’s got
a quick trigger, quick release, strong arm, and then so much of the off-schedule and him
being able to escape, get out, remain a passer, but also hurt you with his legs if he does
decide to take off. So, we’ve got to do a great job plastering running to the football, and also
in the back end, we’ve got to make sure we are covering, competing and staying sticky
throughout the echo of the whistle.”
(On if Nix’s rushing ability puts more pressure on the front or back of the defense) “It’s a
combo. We watched it today, a bunch of clips of it this morning as a team, and how much
in unison that is, and how much that does play a part. I showed some clips of guys feeling
like they had something covered or may have had him down or corralled and then the play’s
not over. It’s definitely one of those things that’s one of his best traits, is just going and
being a football player, he is a coach’s son who understands the game.”
(On what stands out about the talent and scheme of the Broncos’ defense) “Very talented
group. Both guys on the edge can go, both guys, Cooper [Broncos OLB Jonathan Cooper]
and Bonitto [Broncos OLB Nick Bonitto]. Bonitto does a great job jumping the snap count,
understanding, hearing the snap count, you can tell he studies it, obviously a benefit for
them being at home for that standpoint. And he’s got a quick get off. Inside, Allen [Broncos
DT Zach Allen] does a great job rushing at the three technique or at the guard position and
I’ve had a lot of respect for him for a long time. He is a northeast dude that went to B.C.
[Boston College], got a lot of respect for him. And schematically, they do a nice job of not
rushing four all that much. It’s usually five-man rush, which you got a lot of one-on-ones
out there. And great opportunities for our guys to continue to take steps in the right
direction and take it personally to protect the quarterback, especially in a hostile
environment.”
(On how different wins and losses have prepared the team for Sunday) “Yeah, it’s good to
win different ways. You learn about your team each week and adversity is usually how we
learn. So, we’ve been able to go through some of that. This’ll definitely be the loudest
environment we’ve been in thus far, so we’ve got to prepare for that during the week.”
(On how difficult it is to play at Mile High Stadium) “I’ve only been once in 2018. We played
there when I was in L.A. It was a really cool atmosphere. You can tell that teams have
struggled specifically in the fourth quarter against these guys over the last two years,
whether it’s communication issues, whether it’s fatigue, energy, whatever it is. But some
teams have had a hard time in the fourth quarter, with missed assignments or execution or
communication, whatever it is. And then also, Denver being able to utilize some tempo in
the fourth and get their rushers going, whatever it is. So, it’s going to be a definitely a
challenging atmosphere for sure.”
(On the design of the touchdown play to RB Bhayshul Tuten) “Yeah, I can’t take [credit], that
was [Pass Game Coordinator] Shane Waldron, does our red zone and so he brought that
one to me earlier last week and a play that we’ve run and had installed for a long time and
just kind of window dressed it a little bit differently with TJ [RB Travis Etienne Jr.] coming in
orbit motion there and just trying to peel off the flat defender and give those guys
something different to look at to get Tuten open in the end zone there. So, it was just a good
job by our staff of kind of plays off plays and just doing something that could create a little
bit of eye discipline issues and get Tuten open there.”
(On the range of K Cam Little due to the altitude in Denver) “Yeah, it’d be cool to watch. I
know my golf ball goes a lot further than it does out here, I think. So, I’m excited to see what
that looks like and maybe it’s a big factor in the game, maybe it’s not, but I do think it’ll be
pretty cool to watch him at least let it rip.”
(On RB LeQuint Allen Jr.’s role with Tuten out) “Yeah, I trust LeQuint to—we’ve obviously
trusted LeQuint for a long time since he’s got here to help us, whether it was in pass
protection, special teams and then when he has gotten carries, he runs violently and is
taking care of the football. So excited about that and fully just anticipate him stepping into
that role and being able to execute for us.”
(On if he had past experience with RB DeeJay Dallas) “Yeah, I haven’t personally, but a
number of guys on our staff have. Shane, Chad [RBs Coach Chad Morton], Spencer
Whipple [QBs Coach Spencer Whipple], all had experience with him at one point or
another and yeah, that was something that we looked at for the return game. And also, a
veteran that played in football games and knows how to go handle atmospheres like this
and I’ve only heard good things about him, so look forward to getting him onboarded.”
(On whom he credits for his communication skills) “Yeah, I think great role models
throughout life. Obviously grew up in a household of a coach, a football coach, that was
very communication and being honest with people were pretty at the forefront of the way
that my dad operated as a coach, whether it was at in college or high school. And then as
you go into the profession itself and you’ve got great mentors all throughout, my college
coach was one of the best communicators that I had been around, [Former UMass Head
Coach] Don Brown, with the way that he communicated with us as players, but also his
staff. And then you go to L.A. and you see probably the best example of it with Sean [Rams
Head Coach Sean McVay] and just how in unison everybody was when I got there. And for
those years there that keep the main thing the main thing, and the standards are high, but
everybody’s going to make mistakes. Everybody’s going to have an ability to show that they
can improve and be coached, and I think that as much as you can help foster those
relationships, the better off it’s going to be.”
(On where he got the idea to give recognition to support staff like the kitchen staff and
grounds crew at practice) “Yeah, that was something that, again, Shane Waldron, we
collaborated on with [Assistant to the Head Coach] Jay Kaiser. No, hadn’t done it much in
years past. I thought it was a great idea from some of the guys bringing that up to—look, so
much of what we do every day is very seamless and easy because of the work of a lot of
others and we get the glory on Sundays, and we also get the negatives when you lose. And
so, win, lose or draw, our jobs are easier because of the people in this building and the
amount of time and effort that they spend and pride that they put into their jobs. And so,
very important, especially around the holiday season, to give thanks.”
(On the ascension he has seen from DE Travon Walker after recovering from injury) “Yeah,
tough dude that wanted to play football. And it was hard for him not being out [there],
continue to get him going and to get him more and more reps and comfortable being back
out there. So made a huge play for us on the fourth-down stop over the last few weeks and
hopefully continues to ascend.”
(On OL Cole Van Lanen and the offensive line clicking at the right time) “Cole, we’ve seen
him step into many roles, and be able to fill those admirably, and last week was no
different. The whole group protected their tails off and were kind of cleaning the pocket
physically and violently. Great test for us this week, as you guys know, and hopefully be
able to go run the ball a little bit better.”
(On if it is more difficult to prepare for sacks when they come from everywhere on the
defensive line) “Yeah, definitely. Yeah, you try to prepare for chips and relief for one guy or
so, it’s hard to do it at both the ends and inside. It’s just hard to go help and especially
where they do so much five-man rush that by alignment alone makes it difficult and
challenging to find where you’re going to go and try to provide a little relief and help for, so
they do it both with their personnel and they have good scheme. [Broncos Defensive
Coordinator] Vance Joseph’s one of the best out there right now and got a lot of respect for
the way that they’ve put their players in the best positions to be successful and winning
one-on-one matchups is what this league’s all about.”
(On DL Matt Dickerson) “Yeah, Matt’s done a nice job. I think all the offensive linemen
would tell you that he’s made their lives pretty frustrating for a long time since he got with
us. He’s been doing everything we’ve asked him to do. He is very strong, has strong hands,
you shake his hand and it breaks it. He’s tough. He just does what he’s asked to do and
hopefully keep getting better for us.”
(On the growth he has seen from the team on and off the field) “I think that’s the most
important thing is the collaboration and chemistry between the players and coaches as
well. The trust level I think is maybe a little bit more collaborative and unique at this time in
terms of look, we’ve been through a lot of games together. We’ve been through a lot of
weeks, a lot of practices, a lot of walkthroughs, a lot of meetings. And I think at this point in
the season there’s a trust level between all of us that I think they trust that we’re trying to
put them in the best position to be successful, and I trust that they’re going to go out and
play their ass off every Sunday. So that’s something that’s pretty fun to watch.”
QUARTERBACK TREVOR LAWRENCE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025
(On if it will be weird to see Broncos TE Evan Engram on the other sideline) “Yeah. It’ll be
interesting seeing Evan over there and it’ll be great to see him. Obviously, they’re having a
great year and I got a lot of respect for him and we’ve got a great relationship, so I’m sure I’ll
talk to him a little bit before and after the game. But yeah, it’ll be interesting seeing him over
there.”
(On the stakes of this game) “Yeah, it’s a big game. I feel like every—last week was a big
game. Colts was a big game and this one’s no different. It’s a big game for us, and at this
point in this season with where we’re at, when you’ve put yourself in position like we have
and obviously like the Broncos have, and like a bunch of teams in the AFC have, every game
is huge at the end of the year which is where you want to be. So, I think there’s no secret
about how important it is, but it’s still just a game and you’ve got to prepare the same way.
You can’t put too much pressure on it. You’ve just got to go out there and play.”
(On the Broncos pass rush) “Yeah, they’re really, really good. Obviously, the numbers are
historic, the way they’re playing and flying around and it’s not the just group up front, it’s the
whole defense, every level. They’re well coached, they’re flying around, they’re making
plays, they’re physical, they’re really good in the back end, obviously they’re great at
rushing the passer. It just works really well together. The defense is playing really well. It’s
going to be a challenge for us, so we’ll have to have a great week of practice and a good
plan going in for a really good defense.”
(On RB LeQuint Allen Jr.’s running ability) “Every time he’s got an opportunity with the ball,
he’s done something with it and obviously hasn’t gotten a ton because it’s hard to get
through all three guys the same amount of carries. And Travis [RB Travis Etienne Jr.]
obviously is having a great year. Bhayshul’s [RB Bhayshul Tuten] has been doing some really
good things for us, and LeQuint’s been such a big factor in third down and special teams
and all that stuff but I know he is going to be ready for the opportunity. You look at every
time he gets the ball how hard he runs and some of the four-minute runs last week and the
week before. He’s doing a great job, so I know he is going to be prepared, and he’s going to
take this opportunity, run with it and play well. I have no doubt about that.”
(On if Head Coach Liam Coen’s communication skills set him apart) “I think there’s a lot of
things that make him unique and his personality and that’s one of the things that’s great
about him is he does communicate really well. Very intentional with how he talks to the
staff, the players, all of us as a team. You can tell it’s very directed. He knows what he
wants to say and the message he wants to get across and there’s no grey area. He is very
black and white, very clear, and I think that’s really important obviously for a leader and a
head coach. And then I’ve talked about the way he expresses himself and the passion and
you can feel it coming from him and I think that’s something that guys have really latched
onto. That makes guys want to follow him because you can see it.”
(On how Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski has helped him) “He’s helped me a lot. He’s
really unique. I’ve never really met anyone like him, the way he approaches the preparation
process, the attention to detail, the game planning in general, the things that he thinks
about, the conversations that we have throughout the whole week. It’s a very, very detailed
process and it seems like we don’t leave—there’s no stones that are left unturned in his
approach with us in the QB room. And obviously Spence [QBs Coach Spener Whipple] as
the QB coach, we’re all kind of doing it together and the rest of the guys in there. So, there’s
a lot of hands in there that are helping, making it go. But obviously Grant is one of the big
factors and he oversees it and he’s done a great job really from our conversations back in
the spring and his knowledge of the system. Understanding of the run game, the pass game
and clearly communicating it to me so I could learn it quickly when we’re installing the
system. But then now from a game plan, there’s so many specific things that you’re looking
for when you’re planning against a defense and he’s helped me a lot – see things quicker,
pick up on different tendencies a defense might have. He’s been awesome for me.”
(On what he sees from Etienne Jr.) “Yeah, I think as a player overall, his growth and
adaptation and how he has become more versatile. I think you look at what he is doing out
of the backfield, obviously last week was pretty crazy, the three receiving touchdowns and
the things he was able to do catching the ball. But beyond that, how he’s been able to
impact the game in that way. Obviously running the ball, that’s something he’s always done
well, and he’s seen it and he has the big play ability and the speed and explosiveness, and I
think overall the way he’s played, his vision, his overall knowledge of the system and where
certain plays are meant to go and how he reads it out. I think he’s done an awesome job of
putting in the work this offseason and learning a new system and how we’re trying to target
certain runs whether the cutback or the balance or whatever’s there and learning how to
read it based on the scheme. I think he’s done an awesome job in protection I think is a
huge thing where he’s grown a lot and he is really sharp and he’s done a great job of
protecting when he is in there. Obviously, LeQuint’s been in on a lot of the third downs, but
Travis has had a lot of opportunities too, and he’s had some great blocks. He had a great
one against the Colts where he cut [Colts LB] Zaire Franklin on a big play and he’s done an
awesome job.”
(On if he always knew Etienne Jr. had good hands) “Yeah, he’s always been able to catch.
He’s gotten better though, for sure. I think he’s always had good hands. I think he has very
reliable hands now and he’s shown he’s just gotten more fluid. It’s smoother, he’s making
tougher catches, making them look easier. I think it’s become more fluid for him, but yeah,
he’s always been able to catch, and he’s been a threat out of the backfield.”
(On the operation of the offense in a stadium like Mile High) “Yeah obviously, seems like
we’ve played a lot of road games. We just had two back-to-back at home, but just part of
the operation that you get used to dealing with, especially this point in the year, it’s going to
be loud, it’s going to be a great environment there. Just have to communicate clearly and
obviously we’re going to be in the silent and we’ve got to manage that and get in and out of
the huddle, so we have time to operate and communicate. But yeah, I’ve got no doubt it’s
going to be loud, so we’re going to have to be really on point with our communication and
nonverbal communication to make sure we’re on the same page.”
(On if the team anticipates Coen’s reaction when he enters the locker room after a win)
“Yeah, we’re all fired up when we’re in there waiting. I’m surprised, you’re right that he
hasn’t thrown out his shoulder. I think it’s funny seeing the juice when he comes in there.
Guys get fired up about that. It’s become kind of his thing. So, it just happened and then it
stuck and guys look forward to that. So, it gets us going.”
(On the team’s calm attitude) “Yeah, I think it’s kind of like I was saying earlier, every game
at this point of the year is big. Every game’s huge. So, I think this team is — two weeks ago
when we played the Colts, everybody was talking about how big that game was too. And we
just came out and did our job, and we were able to play well and execute and win the game.
And it’s going to be no different this weekend, that’s our job is to go out there, prepare, put a
great plan together and try to go execute better than the Broncos for 60 minutes and go win
the game. So, it’s a really good team. It’s going to be challenging, but it’s the same job,
we’ve got to go out there and play well and execute.”
(On if the game feels different for him right now) “I feel like I’m seeing it really well. I think
I’m throwing it well. Offensively in general. It’s never about one guy. I think as an offense,
we’re really synced up right now, especially in the passing game and protecting up front.
You can’t do anything without that. And those guys have done an awesome job, and guys
are making a ton of plays down the field. We all have a lot of confidence in what we’re
doing. It seems like we’ve got the ball rolling the last few weeks, so it feels good. I don’t
know, to answer your question about compared to other stretches of my career, it feels like
I’m seeing it well. It feels like it is coming out good. Like I said, guys are making plays, we’re
trusting each other and it’s been fun. So, we should keep it rolling.”
