Payton takes back Broncos’ play calls after four games under Webb

Sean Payton is taking back the Broncos’ offensive play calls for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, ending Davis Webb’s four-game run handling that responsibility. Payton announced the change after Thursday’s practice and said he will again communicate directly with quarterback Bo Nix through the headset.

The decision gives Denver a specific operational change before an AFC West road game. The Broncos are 2-2, but their offense ranks 27th in both scoring and total yards. Payton said Webb was told Monday and will continue contributing to the game plan while working on the sideline.

The Associated Press reported that Denver has scored only 13 first-half points through four games. Its opening loss at Kansas City included five runs and 19 passes in the first half. The Broncos recovered from double-digit deficits to beat Jacksonville and the Rams, then managed three points through three quarters in last Sunday’s loss at San Francisco.

Those uneven starts help explain why the staff is changing the person delivering the calls before visiting the 0-4 Chargers. Denver has won enough to remain at .500, while repeatedly leaving its offense to find an answer after falling behind.

Payton called Denver’s plays from 2023 through 2025 before handing the job to Webb this season. His return reconnects Nix with the coach who handled that communication during the quarterback’s first two NFL seasons. Webb remains involved in preparing what the offense will run.

The change drew a discussion on FOX Sports’ First Things First on Thursday, alongside the program’s review of the league’s early quarterback performances.

Payton continued to praise Webb’s coaching potential and said the younger coach had handled the decision well. Tight end Evan Engram, who also played with Webb in New York, said the offense needed to improve its performance regardless of who called the plays.

Denver has not announced a permanent arrangement beyond this week. When asked whether Webb could resume calling plays later in the season, Payton said the team was focused on the Chargers game.