Payton Takes Over Play-Calling Duties For Struggling Broncos Offense
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he will take over offensive play-calling duties starting Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, a shift aimed at jump-starting an offense that has struggled through the season's first month despite quarterback Bo Nix and the offseason addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
The change moves offensive coordinator Davis Webb out of the primary play-calling role he held entering the season, though Webb is expected to remain in communication with Nix during games. Payton had granted Webb control of the play sheet this offseason while staying closely involved, but said the arrangement needed to change. According to ESPN, Payton emphasized that his main responsibility now is evaluating the "whys" behind each play, while noting Webb's quickness and understanding of the system. bandy betting odds
Denver is 2-2 after four weeks, having opened the season with a 31-10 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in quarterback Patrick Mahomes' return from injury. The Broncos followed with home victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams before falling again on the road, this time to the San Francisco 49ers. Both losses came with the offense producing 14 points or fewer. Through four games, Denver's run game ranks 29th in the league at 81 yards per contest, and its total offense ranks 27th at 280 yards per game.
Payton acknowledged the slow start directly, saying the team's performance over its first four games fell short of championship-level football and that correcting the issues quickly would be essential. The Broncos now turn to a Week 6 home matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who lead the NFL in yards allowed per game at 246. Payton's expanded role in Sunday's game against the Chargers will serve as an initial test before that tougher defensive challenge.
