Sean Payton is officially back on play-calling duties for the Denver Broncos offense, a move that speaks volumes about how things have gone for the team through the first four weeks of the season. Let’s be real, the offense has been straight-up inept. While new offensive coordinator Davis Webb was handling play calls previously, Payton made it clear on Thursday after practice that the struggles aren’t just on Webb. It’s a collective problem, he said, and the offense just hasn’t been good enough, plain and simple.
The “Collective” Problem and Why Now?
Payton met with the offense, signaling this isn’t just a minor tweak. He compared evaluating the offense to evaluating any player, like a right tackle or a slot receiver, when something needs to change. The big focus? “Buttoning up all of the little things that keep you from sustaining drives.” That’s the kind of blunt assessment you get from a coach taking back the reins. They know they’ve got to improve their balance in running the football, among a “handful of things” that are clearly not working. Payton said there were “too many” reasons to list why he made the change now instead of waiting. He needed to be in a position where he could make calls without having to run them by anyone. It’s about “changing things up and really trying to reduce some of the calories to get back to getting some things really well.”
A Head Coach in the Making and Lessons Learned
Payton had some strong words for Davis Webb, calling him a “future head coach” and emphasizing that all the qualities needed for that role are there. It’s a tough spot for Webb, but Payton knows a thing or two about having play-calling duties taken away. Back in 2002, when he was with the New York Giants, he went through the same experience. He said it was “tough” for him, too, but believes Webb will “respond well.” This isn’t just some impulsive decision then, it’s a move from a coach drawing on his own career struggles to do “what’s best for the team.” Webb is still “all-in with the game plan” and will be on the field with Payton on Sunday.
The Broncos hit the road this Sunday to face the winless Los Angeles Chargers. The stakes are huge for them to find some offensive rhythm and prove Payton’s decision was the right one. Can they get “some things really well” against a struggling opponent? We’ll find out if this play-calling shake-up ignites something or if the struggles continue.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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