Sean Payton has played down concerns over Davis Webb after the Denver Broncos struggled offensively in their first game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs
Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on
Sean Payton downplayed the Broncos' offensive coordinator issues(Image: Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Sean Payton has played down concerns over the Denver Broncos’ offensive coordinator situation following a “disgraceful” showing that raised fresh questions about the team’s attacking struggles.
The Chiefs dominated the Broncos in Kansas City, holding Bo Nix and Denver’s offense in check during a 31-10 victory. Nix threw an interception, lost a fumble and was sacked three times, while also struggling to make an impact as a runner. The Broncos managed just 176 total yards and scored only three points after their first-quarter touchdown.
At the center of the criticism is 31-year-old offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who took over play-calling duties for the first time after Payton delegated the responsibility. Fans expressed their frustration on social media throughout the game.
Payton admitted the performance was equally frustrating regardless of whether he was calling the plays himself, insisting the responsibility ultimately falls on him as head coach.
“Yeah, look, it was just as a head coach always, whether you're calling the plays or you're not, you know, it's regardless of who's calling the plays when you have a game like that and you're the head coach, you know, it's frustrating," said Payton.
"It's disappointing. And I don't know that the feeling is any different, whether you're calling them or not, honestly.”
He also backed Webb to learn from the experience, comparing his development to that of a player. Payton added: “I think no different than a player, you know, just evaluating the first quarter of the game. And then, you know, making the corrections and learning.”
Broncos Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb
Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb was heavily criticized by fans(Image: Getty Images)
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Payton also appeared to send a veiled message to his new coordinator during his halftime interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, who asked him what more he wanted to see from Nix.
"I think the first thing we have to do is rush the ball a little more efficiently. That'll take some pressure off [Nix]," Payton said. "Right now, we've been in a bit of a pass mode. I think it's the opposite for Kansas City. They've been able to run the ball. I think that needs to switch a little in the second half."
When asked how not calling plays went in the first half, Payton said: "Ask me in another half here."
Evan Engram’s 19-yard touchdown was one of the few bright spots for Denver, providing a rare offensive highlight on an otherwise miserable night. The Broncos’ attack stalled from there, managing just 109 yards on their final 37 plays. Penalties also wiped out promising gains and repeatedly left Denver facing difficult down-and-distance situations.
Despite the poor showing, Webb is expected to remain in charge of the play-calling unless Payton decides to take over. He will have an immediate opportunity to make adjustments when the Broncos face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.