Full Breakdown
Sean Payton Reclaims Play-Calling Duties as Denver Broncos Seek Offensive Spark
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 8, 2026, head coach Sean Payton announced that he will resume primary offensive play-calling for the Denver Broncos, ending a four-game stint in which first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb called the plays. The change takes effect for the Broncos’ Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on October 11, 2026.
Background & Context
The Broncos entered the 2026 season after a 14-3 record in 2025 and the addition of receiver Jaylen Waddle. Payton, who handled play-calling during his first three seasons in Denver, handed the reins to Webb in the offseason to retain the young coach, who was being courted for head-coaching jobs. The first four games featured a schedule of top defenses: Jacksonville (2nd), San Francisco (3rd), Kansas City (tied 6th) and Los Angeles Rams (tied 9th) in scoring-defense rankings.
Data & Statistics
- Record after four weeks: 2-2.
- Points per game: 16.8 (NFL) or 18.5 (Denver Gazette).
- Total offense: 280.3 yards per game, ranking 27th (most outlets) or 28th.
- Rushing yards per game: 81.3, 29th in the league.
- Passing yards per game: 199, 20th in the league.
- First-half scoring: 13 total points, the fewest by any team through four weeks.
- Quarterback Bo Nix: 60 % completion, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, QBR 46.1 (rank 22), average air yards 5.9 (rank 27).
- Chargers’ defense: 24th in scoring defense, allowing 26.5 points per game.
Official Statements & Responses
Payton emphasized that Webb remains offensive coordinator and will continue to help with game planning and quarterback meetings. Webb described the change as “not ideal” but accepted responsibility for the offense’s inconsistency, noting the unit “didn’t put a full game together consistently enough.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Scoring rank: NFL and several outlets list Denver at 27th, while CBS Sports places the team at 28th.
- Points per game: NFL cites 16.8, whereas Denver Gazette reports 18.5. Both figures stem from different statistical aggregators.
- No source provides a definitive assessment of how the upcoming Chargers game will affect the Broncos’ playoff outlook, leaving the long-term impact of the play-calling change uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes (selected)
- “We know we have to improve our balance in running the football. There’s a handful of things,” — Sean Payton, head coach
- “I take responsibility for that. I'm the play caller. But we all have a hand in this and, hopefully, we can get going in (games) a little faster,” — Davis Webb, offensive coordinator
What’s Next
The Broncos will test the new arrangement on Sunday, October 11, 2026, when they travel to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Chargers.