SEATTLE — Bo Nix became Boo Nix. He was not Brees Knees.

None of this was particularly surprising given the time and place. Rookie quarterbacks are now 4-15 at Lumen Field. And in his debut, Nix looked scared, missing the mark too often before inspiring hope with a nervy fourth-quarter drive that made the final score more palatable.

It was disturbing, but predictable and understandable.

What wasn’t was Sean Payton’s performance. As long as Payton is in Denver, he’ll be shadowboxing his championship history. It’ll be used to judge him.

And Sunday Payton wasn’t good enough. He made too many decisions that weren’t acceptable for someone of his heritage.

His resume belies an offensive genius, and the Broncos produced seven three-and-out drives. They were 5 for 18 on third down. They scored nine points on three red zone trips.

Sunday marked Payton’s 276th game as head coach, the first for Seattle’s Mike Macdonald.

So why were the Seahawks more efficient, more opportunistic, more disciplined? Why were they able to make adjustments at halftime, something Payton explained was overrated last season? How did Seattle offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb manage to feed the ball to running back Kenneth Walker III between bites of fruit and sips of Gatorade?

This is the clarity the Broncos demand of Payton. He had to win the chessboard. He must be held to a higher standard. On a team full of young players and one superstar (cornerback Pat Surtain II), the boss is the most successful and best-paid employee. He can’t have a bad day.

There are plenty of reasons for this loss, but Payton deserves most of the blame.

“I have to get better,” Payton admitted.