Overview
- Denver’s offense produced just 176 yards and nine first downs in a 31-10 Week 1 loss, with Bo Nix, a near-absent run plan and Jaylen Waddle’s one catch drawing sharp criticism.
- Head coach Sean Payton publicly defended Davis Webb and said responsibility was shared, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the organization has a “high level of confidence and comfort” in Webb.
- External voices and a rival AFC executive warned the handoff to a first-time play caller could become “very messy” if the Broncos struggle in the coming games.
- Webb is a 31-year-old rising coach who has coached since 2023, had no prior play-calling experience, and drew multiple head-coach interviews during the offseason before being promoted.
- Payton’s decision to cede play calling for the first time since 2006 raises the stakes for quick improvement, with Sunday’s game against Jacksonville widely framed as an inflection point for Webb’s role and the offense’s direction.