Entering the 2026 NFL season, the Denver Broncos were viewed as genuine championship candidates, powered by a stellar defensive unit and an offensive group poised for a major step forward under third-year signal-caller Bo Nix.
Four weeks into the season, however, both units have fallen short of expectations. The defense has surrendered 24 points or more in three out of their first four matchups, albeit against high-caliber opposition.
Even more troubling is the state of Denver’s offense, which currently sits at 27th in scoring due to a severely struggling ground attack and minimal development from Nix.
To address these issues, head coach Sean Payton announced on Thursday that he will assume a more hands-on role in directing the offense beginning in Week 5.
“We are shaking things up on offense, and I will be taking over the play-calling duties,” Payton stated to the press.
While Payton assumes play-calling duties, offensive coordinator Davis Webb is set to maintain his standard “game-day responsibilities.” Furthermore, Webb will remain deeply integrated in crafting the team’s weekly offensive strategies.
“With my years of experience, I can recognize a future head coach when I see one, and [Webb] definitely fits that mold,” Payton remarked, recalling a comparable phase in his own coaching journey. “In our offensive meetings, the focus has been on cleaning up the minor details that have been stalling our drives.
“Davis is fully committed to the game plan, maintaining our collaborative approach. He will be right there with me on the sideline.”
Payton has long been recognized as a premier offensive mastermind in professional football. Under his guidance, Drew Brees forged a Hall of Fame career, the team pushed for the postseason with Jameis Winston and Trevor Siemian at quarterback, and an aging Russell Wilson enjoyed a highly productive statistical season. Before the 2026 campaign, Payton had personally called the offensive plays during every year of his tenure as an NFL head coach.
However, Webb’s rapid rise convinced Payton to yield play-calling responsibilities. Webb, who was previously the team’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, drew significant interest and interviewed for several head-coaching vacancies over the spring. After missing out on those roles, he was elevated to offensive coordinator for Denver following Joe Lombardi’s dismissal. Given how coveted Webb was during the offseason, handing him the play-calling duties may have been a strategic move by the franchise to satisfy him and ensure his retention.
Yet, this strategy has yielded poor results over the first month of the season. Following a rookie year where he led the league in pass attempts, Nix continues to shoulder a heavy workload. Unfortunately, the quarterback’s performance has regressed, resulting in career-low marks across several key metrics over these four games, such as completion rate, average passing yards, success rate, and touchdown percentage.
Even with Nix laboring, Denver’s offensive approach has remained rigid. The Broncos have recorded a mere 90 rushing attempts across four games, placing them in a tie for 29th place league-wide in running volume.
To be fair to both Webb and Nix, Denver has faced an exceptionally brutal slate of opposing defenses to start the season. Every single one of their first four opponents currently ranks in the top ten for fewest points allowed. Consequently, improved performances are likely coming for the Broncos, regardless of who is directing the offense.
Indeed, Denver’s Week 5 matchup appears far more manageable on paper. They are set to face the winless 0-4 Los Angeles Chargers, whose defensive unit currently ranks 24th in the league heading into this matchup.
