Davis Webb’s debut as a playcaller was an epic failure

KANSAS CITY , MO - SEPTEMBER 14: Bo Nix (10) of the Denver Broncos speaks to offensive coordinator Davis Webb during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on Monday, September 14, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images

This offseason, Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton did what many people thought he would never do. He handed over play-calling duties to newly hired/promoted offensive coordinator Davis Webb. After being a highly sought-after coach this offseason, Webb returned to the Broncos and was supposed to help the offense take the next step this season. He was going to be more aggressive, bring new ideas, and continue to develop his strong working relationship with quarterback Bo Nix. There was a lot of hype and anticipation about Webb's debut as a play caller, and well, his debut was an epic failure.

"Ask me in another half."

-Sean Payton on not calling plays pic.twitter.com/s8rE5dDYfU

- NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 15, 2026

Where do we begin? It looked off from the very first snap. Nix, who has been historically good at avoiding sacks, was sacked on the very first play and was sacked a total of 4 times last night. He would go on to throw an ugly interception to end the opening drive and finish the night with multiple turnovers. Nix played one of the worst games of his Broncos career last night.

Now, let us talk about the run game, or lack thereof. While the Chiefs ran for 220 yards on the ground last night, the Broncos could only muster 61 yards rushing and seemingly abandoned it early on when it was no more than a one-score game. Veteran JK Dobbins was out-snapped by RJ Harvey last night and had just 8 carries for 36 yards.

Remember Jaylen Waddle? They made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, spent all of camp hyping him up and talking about how he's going to change this offense. Remember that guy? He was targeted just 3 times and had 1 catch for 2 yards. Even after the Chiefs lost starting rookie corner Mansoor Delane after the opening-drive INT. Courtland Sutton was targeted 5 times and had 2 receptions for 11 yards. Combined, the Broncos' top two wide receivers in their new and improved offense totaled 3 catches for 13 yards.

That's not what you want.

The offensive line was bad too. I haven't seen the tape, and I am no offensive line guru, but the pressure was getting to Nix throughout the night. Veteran defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo simply out-coached Davis Webb last night.

Now, let's talk play calls. It's 3rd and 1 in a close game, and the Broncos go 5-wide? You have a fullback on your roster, paid Adam Trautman to be a blocking tight end specialist, kept Nate Adkins on the roster, and re-signed JK Dobbins (Kenneth Walker was a free agent), and you decide not to run the ball? Meanwhile, the Chiefs faced multiple short-yardage situations and went to their heavy package, dominated the Broncos at the LOS, and converted multiple first downs.

It is just one game, and Webb has been an impressive coach thus far, but there is no beating around the bush on this one. His debut as a play caller was an epic failure. Can he improve? Of course. Teams and play callers have bad games and bad starts to the season. Sean Payton's teams are known for their slow starts. However, Webb needs to turn things around quickly or else Sean Payton, who looked edgy on the sidelines last night, is going to takeover play calling duties sooner rather than later.