Sean Payton says he's not focused on Broncos' record 64 sacks

Sean Payton said he is not focused on the Broncos' NFL-best, franchise-record 64 sacks as the team heads into Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the AFC's top playoff seed on the line.

Sean Payton said he is not dwelling on the Broncos' sack total as the team prepares for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers with the AFC's top playoff seed at stake. He emphasised focusing on caging the quarterback and rushing properly rather than on sack numbers. The Broncos have an NFL-best, franchise-record 64 sacks this season and 17 players have recorded sacks. The team was on pace earlier to challenge the single-season mark of 72 sacks set by the 1984 Chicago Bears. Key details: - The Broncos' 64 sacks are one more than they had last year and 11 more than the next team, the Atlanta Falcons, who have 53. - Seventeen Denver players have recorded sacks, led by Nik Bonitto with 12 1/2. - Since the bye week the team has averaged three sacks a game, down from a 4.45 clip during the first 11 games. - Coaches including defensive coordinator Vance Joseph emphasise fundamentals such as tackling, getting hands up to knock down quick throws, and disciplined pass rushes rather than chasing sack totals. - Defensive lineman Zach Allen leads with 45 quarterback hits and 68 pressures, the most by an NFL interior defensive lineman, while another player mentioned in the report could reach a single-season sack milestone on Sunday. Summary: Payton and his staff frame the high sack total as a result of disciplined, team-oriented play rather than an end in itself, and they are focusing on fundamentals as opponents try quicker passes to avoid the rush. The Broncos play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday with the AFC's top playoff seed on the line.