Payton Reverses Course, Reclaims Play-Calling from Webb After Poor Start

Key points

• Sean Payton is returning to the headset for the Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, taking over play-calling from offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
• The decision follows a 2-2 start where the Broncos’ offense ranked 27th in the NFL in points per game and struggled with poor first-half scoring.
• Payton stated the move was difficult but necessary to fix the run-pass balance and improve drive sustainability, noting he still possesses the speed to call plays effectively at age 62.
• Davis Webb will remain with the team, contributing to game planning and standing on the field, with Payton emphasizing that Webb is still on a fast track to becoming an NFL head coach.
• The reversal comes after a disastrous Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Broncos scored only 10 points, and a subsequent 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Background

In the offseason, Sean Payton officially ceded play-calling duties to Davis Webb, a former backup quarterback and position coach, to help Webb gain experience for a future head coaching role. Payton, then 62, argued that Webb’s youth would allow for faster communication with quarterback Bo Nix. This move was part of a broader strategy to retain Webb, who had interviewed for other head coaching and offensive coordinator positions but chose to stay with Denver. The current reversal highlights the volatility of the experiment, as the offense’s early struggles prompted a quick return to Payton’s traditional leadership style.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and Sportsnet.ca agree on the core facts but differ in emphasis. NBC Sports frames the move as a predictable outcome, noting that Payton was always expected to reclaim control if the offense faltered, and highlights the team’s poor ranking in points per game. Sportsnet.ca focuses more on the human element, quoting Payton’s personal reflection on the difficulty of the decision and his reassurance to Webb that his coaching career remains intact. While NBC Sports cites Mike Florio’s report that Webb is no longer on the headset, Sportsnet.ca notes that Webb will still be present on the field and involved in planning, offering a more nuanced view of Webb’s current status.

Why it matters

This shift signals a potential turning point for the Broncos’ offense, which has struggled to find consistency under Webb’s direction. Payton’s return may stabilize Bo Nix’s performance and improve the team’s ability to sustain drives, crucial for upcoming matchups against tough defenses like the Seattle Seahawks. Additionally, the decision tests the long-term viability of Payton’s strategy to develop Webb as a head coach, raising questions about how quickly a team can reverse such a significant structural change without impacting player confidence or coaching relationships.

What to watch

The Broncos will face the winless Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5, providing the first opportunity to evaluate Payton’s return to the headset. The team’s performance in this game, particularly in terms of scoring and drive efficiency, will determine if the change yields immediate results. Following this, the Broncos have a critical Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, where the offense’s ability to adapt under Payton’s direction will be closely scrutinized. Davis Webb’s role in game planning will also be monitored to see if his input continues to influence the game plan despite not calling plays.