Sean Payton on Broncos' play-calling in Davis Webb's debut: 'Lotta throws, not enough runs'

The Broncos ' offensive performance in coordinator Davis Webb 's play-calling debut was not what you would call a rousing success. The Chiefs dominated the Broncos and held Bo Nix and the offense in check in Kansas City 's 31-10 victory.

Nix was intercepted and lost a fumble, was sacked three times by the Chiefs and was ineffective as a runner. As a team, the Broncos totaled 176 yards and scored only three points after their first-quarter touchdown.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton relinquished play-calling — his baby for 18 years as a head coach — to the 31-year-old Webb this offseason after Webb had received some head-coaching attention from around the league. With it came a promotion and Payton bequeathing Webb the ceremonial Denny's menu.

Payton never mentioned Webb postgame by name but did point out that the Broncos' issues start with the coaching staff, himself included.

"Obviously, not a good evening. Didn't do a lot well at all in the game," Payton said. "We'll get a chance to look at the tape tomorrow, but I felt like all the key factors … they rushed the ball well, we didn't. That starts with me. That starts with our coaching staff. I thought they won in really every phase."

This is still nominally Payton's offense. It's still catered to Nix's strengths and weaknesses, at least in theory. The Nix-Webb relationship was a big selling point for the change. But the first time with Webb in Nix's ear didn't go well.

Payton said there were "a number of places we have to look" after Webb's first time with the call sheet.

"Our third-down numbers weren't good. Our rushing numbers weren't good. Pick your spot," Payton said.

Sean Payton's halftime interview was an eyebrow raiser

Payton appeared to send a veiled message to his new coordinator with his halftime interview with ESPN's Laura Rutledge when she asked Payton what more he wanted to see out of Bo 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."

For what it's worth, the Broncos handed off 12 times all game — six in each half. Payton mentioned more than once that Denver 's rushing disparity held the offense back, even while noting that some RPO runs turned into pass plays.

"Lotta throws, not enough runs," Payton said.

The Broncos' 177 yards were fewer even than their total (181) in the AFC championship game, with Jarrett Stidham replacing an injured Nix in a game that was played in a blizzard. Denver's nine first downs matched their 2025 season low, which they hit in a dud of a win over the Raiders — a reminder that Payton has off days, too.

Payton was asked whether it was tougher to watch the offensive struggles given that he didn't have full control over what was being called.

"Look, it was, just as a head coach always, whether you're calling plays or not, regardless of who's calling the plays, when you have a game like that and you're the head coach, it's frustrating. It's disappointing. And I don't know if the feeling's any different if you're calling them or not," Payton said.

To the Chiefs' credit, the defense, led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, was spectacular. They tackled well — unlike the Broncos — and kept everything short. The Broncos' long gain was Evan Engram 's 19-yard TD strike, which was a rare offensive highlight on the night.

Denver's script went dry after that. The Broncos gained only 109 yards on the remaining 37 plays in the game. Penalties wiped out some positive plays and put Denver in longer-yardage situations. Webb's struggles mirrored the tepid results of two other young play-calling former backup QBs, Sean Mannion and David Blough , who faced off in Eagles-Commanders in Week 1.

Monday night was a brutal first test for Webb, but not a bye-week referendum. Unless Payton's play-calling itch gets the best of him, it's still Webb's job. There will be ample room for improvement in their next outing in Week 2 against a Jaguars team riding high after their statement victory over the Browns in Week 1.