The Davis Webb play-calling era is over, or at least suspended, after just four games. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton watched another Super Bowl appearance slip through his fingers last season when Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle in the playoffs and a blizzard covered Empower Field during the AFC title game. He does not want to miss out on another opportunity to compete for a championship, and following a 2-2 start to the season, this intense individual is taking it upon himself to revitalize the squad's lackluster offense.
Following speculation that a more collaborative process would take effect, Payton clarified that he is replacing offensive coordinator Davis Webb as the Broncos' play-caller for the time being. He praised the former quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator, declaring him a future head coach, per The Athletic's Nick Kosmider. “It's all ahead of him,” the Super Bowl 44 champion said.
Webb has already garnered attention in the HC carousel and would have been a scorching-hot name if he succeeded in his new role with Denver this season. His ascension now hits a snag and puts his future candidacy in some uncertainty. Payton felt it was time for a change, though.
Is Sean Payton the magical elixir for this Broncos' offense?
The Broncos rank near the bottom or in the bottom half in most offensive metrics through the early portion of the campaign, averaging 18.5 points (27th), 81.3 rushing yards (29th) and 199.0 passing yards per game (20th). This squad's strength lies in its defense, but with Bo Nix entering his third NFL season, and the dynamic Jaylen Waddle joining the wide receiver room, a more dynamic offense was expected.
When a team makes a significant change to its game-planning process, players are bound to have strong reactions. Apparently, there is one specific emotion that is permeating the Denver locker room.
Article Continues Below“{Everyone} is a little disappointed because you feel like you let your teammate down,” Sean Payton said when asked about Nix's response to the Davis Webb news, per The Denver Post's Troy Renck.
No. 10 is less than six months removed from undergoing a second procedure on his ankle, so there is a chance that the offense improves as he becomes more comfortable moving around the pocket. Payton is not taking any chances, however. He has experienced great success in this role before and is banking on his expertise in 2026.
A week 5 meeting against a Los Angeles Chargers team (0-4) that is facing their own play-calling questions will be an important test for the Super Bowl hopeful Broncos. Opening kickoff will commence on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET in SoFI Stadium.