The Denver Broncos’ season hit another low point on Sunday, as the team suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers. While the entire roster shoulders part of the blame, one player has found himself at the center of controversy: wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

Sutton, considered by many to be the Broncos’ most reliable offensive weapon, committed a critical mistake late in the game that ultimately sealed Denver’s fate. With the Broncos driving and the outcome still hanging in the balance, Sutton lost control of the football on a pivotal play. The turnover swung momentum fully in Los Angeles’ favor, and the Chargers capitalized to close out the contest.

Former Broncos legend Rod Smith, one of the franchise’s all-time great wide receivers, didn’t hold back in his criticism. Speaking on national television after the game, Smith’s words cut deep: “You call yourself a WR1? And you give the ball away when the game is on the line. It’s unacceptable to give the ball away, and it cost us the game.”

Smith’s assessment echoed the frustration felt by Broncos fans, many of whom voiced their anger on social media. “We count on Sutton to step up in these moments,” one fan wrote. “He’s supposed to be the leader of this offense, and instead he gave the Chargers the win.” Others compared Sutton’s miscue to some of the most painful collapses in recent franchise memory, saying it was another example of Denver failing to execute in critical moments.

For Sutton, the criticism is particularly damaging because he has long been touted as the team’s WR1, a role that carries the responsibility of leading by example. While Sutton has had flashes of brilliance this season, his inconsistency has frustrated coaches and fans alike. Sunday’s fumble not only cost Denver a chance at victory, but also raised new doubts about whether he can truly be the anchor of the receiving corps.

The loss also compounds the Broncos’ struggles in the AFC West. Falling to the Chargers not only hurts Denver’s record but also its confidence, as the team continues to search for an identity under head coach Sean Payton. The offensive line has been shaky, the running game inconsistent, and quarterback play uneven at best. Against that backdrop, Sutton’s misstep felt like another symbol of a team unable to finish when it matters most.

Rod Smith’s comments carried particular weight because of his legacy. Smith, an undrafted free agent who became the Broncos’ all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, built his career on discipline and reliability. For him to question Sutton’s commitment and execution adds extra sting to an already painful loss.

Now, all eyes will be on Sutton and the Broncos as they prepare for their next matchup. Can the veteran wideout bounce back and prove his critics wrong? Or will his latest mistake linger as a defining moment in a season teetering on the brink?

For the Broncos, redemption must come quickly — and for Courtland Sutton, the pressure to deliver has never been higher.