{
  "id": 9857900,
  "title": "Sean Payton pleased with performance of Evan Engram and Nate Adkins thus far",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/sean-payton-pleased-with-performance-of-evan-engram-and-nate-adkins",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T23:14:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sean-payton-pleased-performance-evan-231400422.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "DENVER, COLORADO - The Denver Broncos are optimistic about the performances of tight ends Evan Engram and Nate Adkins this season. Head Coach Sean Payton expressed satisfaction with both players' progress thus far.\n\nEngram, who made his NFL debut in 2024, has consistently impressed in his second season. Despite falling short of production expectations last year, Engram has been a reliable presence in the passing game with five of six targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in just two games. Coach Payton also praised Engram's improvement in blocking, resulting in increased playing time on the offensive line.\n\nAdkins, a versatile third-year tight end behind Engram and Adam Trautman, has proven to be a valuable contributor. After missing most of last season due to injury, Adkins has made significant strides in blocking and catching, recently contributing to Denver's comeback victory over the Jaguars. Coach Payton highlighted Adkins' ability to play special teams and his knack for blocking in space, making him an invaluable asset to the team.\n\nWith the addition of Jaylen Waddle, there will be fewer targets available for Denver's tight end corps. However, if Engram and Adkins continue to maximize their opportunities, like they have in the early games, the Broncos' offense should become more consistent than it was last season.",
  "summary": "Tight ends Evan Engram and Nate Adkins have each had an impressive performance early on in the 2026 season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Head Coach Sean Payton pleased with Evan Engram and Nate Adkins' performances.",
    "Evan Engram, new to NFL in 2024, shows improvement in passing game and blocking.",
    "Nate Adkins, third-year tight end, contributes to comeback victory over Jaguars."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}