Overview
- Denver managed 176 total yards in the season opener and lost 31-10 to Kansas City as quarterback Bo Nix went 17-of-28 for 131 yards with one touchdown, one interception, four sacks and a fumble.
- Sean Payton gave play-calling to offensive coordinator Davis Webb in February and Webb served as the primary play-caller in the opener while Payton publicly accepted responsibility for the team's performance.
- Prominent critics including LeSean McCoy and Shannon Sharpe argued that ceding play-calling removed the quarterback-friendly scheme that helped Nix post 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025.
- NFL insider Ian Rapoport and other defenders say Payton made the change to retain Webb and urge patience after one game, noting Webb kept the job despite the loss and will get a chance to rebound in Week 2 at Jacksonville.
- Analysts warn the decision carries trade-offs for the Broncos’ short-term title hopes and project that Payton could retake play-calling later in the season if offensive struggles continue, with some outlets identifying midseason games as possible turning points.