The Denver Broncos offensive struggles thus far this season seem to have reached a boiling point in Week 4, resulting in head coach Sean Payton taking over play-calling responsibilities for the team's Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Payton made the announcement on Thursday that he will take over play-calling responsibilities from first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who has been scrutinized heavily early on in the 2026 season. Broncos fans came into the year with a ton of expectations for their offense after making a key addition to bring in dynamic receiving threat Jaylen Waddle this offseason.
Thus far, the results have been incredibly disappointing, as the Broncos have ranked in the bottom-five of the NFL in yards per game through the first four weeks of the NFL season. Some critics of Webb see an obvious correlation between the Broncos' offensive struggles and Webb becoming the team's offensive coordinator and play-caller this season. Regardless of whether you believe Webb is the biggest culprit in the Broncos' issues on offense or not, Sean Payton will now try his hand calling plays for the team in Week 5.
And naturally, Davis Webb doesn't sound overly pleased about the decision from Payton. More news: Eagles Rule Out Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith for London Game vs. Jaguars When asked about the move from Payton on Friday, Webb explained that it is "not ideal", hinting at the Broncos' difficult competition through the first four weeks perhaps playing the biggest factor in the team's struggles on offense thus far.
"It's not ideal," said Webb, via Broncos beat writer Jeff Legwold. "But in the same breath, we're 2-2 in the first four games, our first four opponents were a combined 13-3 to start the season. Welcome to the league.'' As for how Webb plans to approach his role moving forward, the former NFL quarterback made it clear that he remains focused on being the best offensive coordinator he can be.
"I taught myself early to think about the best- and worst-case scenarios,'' added Webb. "And if you're okay with both, then take that job on. It is what it is, nothing I can do about it now except be the best offensive coordinator I can be and that's what I'm trying to do.'' More news: 49ers Make Week 5 Injury Decisions for Three Stars Sean Payton was the play-caller for the Broncos last season when they went 14-3 in the regular season.
So obviously, the team has shown before to properly operate with Payton calling plays. Regardless, it will be interesting to see whether the team responds to this drastic change just four games into the season in Week 5 when they take on the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:05 p.m.
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