Davis Webb entered 2026 as Denver’s primary play-caller after Payton voluntarily relinquished that role, a move that has defined much of Payton’s coaching career. In Week 1, with about four minutes left in the first half, Denver stood at 2-for-6 on third downs and had totaled 108 yards of offense. The Broncos and Chiefs were tied at 7-7 at that moment. Denver had run only 22 offensive plays, and Bo Nix had thrown an interception along with his touchdown pass.
These early numbers do not necessarily doom a new play-caller after less than two quarters, but they do underscore why Payton’s offseason decision is causing renewed attention as the season unfolds. The dynamic of a head coach overseeing the offense while delegating play-calling duties to a trusted colleague can shape how the team develops its identities and adjusts to strong opponents.
As the Broncos navigate this transition, the performance against a high-caliber defense and the rapidity of in-game adjustments will be closely watched. The coaching staff has emphasized that the core offensive concepts and game plan remain intact, with Webb handling play calls and Payton continuing to influence strategic decisions, personnel usage, and situational calls.
The early stretch of the season will test the balance between preserving Payton’s aggressive coaching philosophy and leveraging Webb’s perspective as the play-caller. Kansas City’s defense, known for its discipline and pressure packages, will present a stern test for Denver’s execution and efficiency on third downs and in situational football.
In the broader context, this arrangement reflects a flexible approach to leadership and play design. It allows Payton to focus on overarching strategy, roster management, and in-game decision-making while Webb translates game plans into plays and timely calls. The outcome of this collaboration will likely influence how the Broncos structure offensive leadership going forward and could inform future decisions about play-calling responsibilities across the NFL.
