Sean Payton ceded play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb this offseason. After an early show of faith in the latter, a change in the approach on that side of the ball will now be taking place.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported earlier today that Payton will reclaim his role as offensive play-calling moving forward. Since then, updates have emerged indicating an increase in collaboration between he and Webb will be in store from Week 5 onward. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Webb is still expected to be the one communicating with quarterback Bo Nix during games.
In any event, today’s news is an admission that improvement over Denver’s offensive showings through four weeks is needed. Payton notably did not shut down the idea of a change in the team’s play-calling setup after Week 4’s loss. The Broncos sit 27th in the NFL in total and scoring offense, and they have managed just 13 points in the first half this season. In fairness, each of Denver’s opponents to date (the Chiefs, Jaguars, Rams and 49ers) find themselves in the top 10 in scoring defense.
Mike Klis of 9News reports Payton became more “hands-on” after the Broncos underwhelmed in their season-opening loss. Another step in that respect will now be taken as the team aims to become more efficient on the ground and through the air beginning with a Week 5 matchup against the winless Chargers. Payton acknowledged the need for better execution when speaking to the media yesterday.
“Our focus needs to be more on the specifics and the details of each player, regardless [of who is calling plays]” he said (via The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider). “Davis is very fast and quick and understands what we’re doing… I think collectively we all, after a four-game sample size, look at, ‘All right, certainly this isn’t championship football, what we see.’ How quickly can we correct those things?”
Joe Lombardi served as Denver’s offensive coordinator from 2023-25, Payton’s first three years at the helm. The Super Bowl-winning HC called plays during that span, making it noteworthy when he delegated to Webb this offseason. Payton’s first year in Denver doubled as Webb’s debut campaign as a coach. The 31-year-old has seen his stock surge during a short span, operating as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach for three seasons and having the pass-game coordinator title added in 2025.
Webb was promoted to serve as Lombardi’s replacement after drawing interest not only in other OC gigs but also head coaching opportunities this winter. Expectations were understandably high for Denver’s offense entering the year, and a step forward with respect to scoring could keep the chances of another No. 1 seed in the AFC alive for 2026. If the Broncos are to manage that, however, Payton will again be a central figure.
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