Davis Webb’s status as offensive play-caller for the Denver Broncos looks like it is already on thin ice after a rough Week 1 performance. Seriously, we’re one game in, and the murmurs are already getting loud about what could go down between him and head coach Sean Payton.
The “Very Messy” Outlook That’s Brewing
A rival AFC club executive didn’t mince words, telling The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones that things could get “very messy” between Webb and Payton. Why? Because Payton is an elite play-caller, according to that same executive, and if the Broncos start slow, especially against a tough Jacksonville Jaguars team this Sunday, it’s going to be hard for Payton to stick with Webb. This isn’t just some random hot take; it’s a real concern when you consider Webb is only 31 and had *never* called plays before taking on this role. Payton, on the other hand, hasn’t ceded play-calling duties since his very first season with the New Orleans Saints back in 2006. That’s a huge deal. The Broncos’ Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a brutal 31-10 beatdown, saw their offense manage a measly 176 yards and just nine first downs. That kind of output puts play-calling squarely under the microscope, no matter how much Payton publicly came to Webb’s defense. A coach as famously hands-on as Payton is going to have a hard time watching things spiral without taking control himself.
A Surprising Offseason Bet That Could Backfire
The decision back in February to hand the offensive reins to Webb was one of the most surprising moves of the NFL offseason. Webb was actually generating a ton of interest as a head coaching candidate, even viewed as a “strong” option for the Las Vegas Raiders, and he interviewed with both the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens before withdrawing his name from consideration for the Raiders job. He’d only been coaching since 2023, serving as quarterbacks coach for three seasons and adding offensive pass game coordinator in 2025. This all makes the current situation even wilder. Despite the outside noise, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday morning, citing sources, that the Broncos have a “high level of confidence and comfort” in Webb. It’s a tale of two narratives right now, and one has to give.
This Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars is huge. That Jaguars defense gave Denver fits last season in their Week 16 matchup. The outcome could seriously determine if Webb keeps his grip on the play-calling job, or if Sean Payton steps back in and takes over. This is going to be appointment viewing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply