Bo Nix Criticized by Broncos Insider Amid Davis Webb's Demotion as Playcaller by Sean Payton

Some around the NFL are wondering how much the minor demotion of Davis Webb is a reflection of the Denver Broncos offensive coordinator, according to The Athletic's Jonathan Jones .

Head coach Sean Payton assumed playcalling duties ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, a move that doesn't reflect well on Webb.

Jones cited one source who highlighted the play of quarterback Bo Nix as a mitigating factor, however.

"Bo isn't cutting it loose regardless," they said. "I would hope people around the league understand what's going on there and give Davis the benefit of the doubt."

Per Jones, a different source "pointed out how involved Payton has been in game planning throughout the week." That person "wondered how much of Webb's own stuff he was able to call against defenses that rank No. 2, No. 3, No. 6 and No. 9 in points allowed this season."

Nix has gone backwards in his third season despite Denver making a splashy offseason addition (Jaylen Waddle) to the receiving corps. He has thrown for 819 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions through four starts.

Maybe Webb, who has quickly progressed up the NFL coaching ladder, wasn't ready to call plays. The Broncos might have a real problem on their hands with Nix, though.

The 26-year-old signal-caller is averaging just 5.8 adjusted yards per attempt, according to Pro Football Reference . Per the NFL's Next Gen Stats, he's also averaging the third-fewest completed air yards (3.9) and fourth-fewest intended air yards (6.2).

Waddle's arrival was supposed to open up the passing game. Instead, Nix is settling for shorter throws and not testing secondaries down the field.

Drawing up a great scheme and calling great plays doesn't matter if the players aren't executing.

If Nix's performance immediately begins to improve, then people will draw some reasonable conclusions about Webb's coaching. Should the status quo remain with Payton choosing the plays, on the other hand, Nix's critics will only grow louder.