As the NFL season kicks into gear on September 15, 2026, the Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads after a disastrous offensive showing in Week 1. The decision by head coach Sean Payton to hand over playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb was met with intrigue and optimism this offseason. Webb, a rising star in coaching circles, was expected to inject creativity and aggression into an offense led by quarterback Bo Nix. However, according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Webb's debut as a playcaller was nothing short of an epic failure, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether the experiment should continue.
The Hype and the Reality
When Sean Payton promoted Davis Webb to offensive coordinator, it signaled a new era for the Broncos. Webb's reputation as a quarterback guru and his strong rapport with Bo Nix fueled expectations. The plan was to build on Nix's promising rookie campaign, emphasizing aggressiveness and innovation. But from the first snap against the Kansas City Chiefs, it was clear something was off. Nix, historically adept at avoiding sacks, was sacked on the opening play and four times overall. He threw an ugly interception to end the first drive and finished with multiple turnovers, marking one of the worst performances of his young career.
The Ground Game Disappears
One of the most glaring issues was the abandonment of the run game. While the Chiefs racked up 220 rushing yards, the Broncos managed a mere 61 yards on the ground. Veteran running back J.K. Dobbins, who was expected to lead the backfield, was out-snapped by rookie R.J. Harvey and finished with just 8 carries for 36 yards. The decision to go away from the run early, even when the game was within one score, left many scratching their heads. As highlighted on Vulius, the Broncos' offensive line struggled to create lanes, and the playcalling did little to help.
Wide Receiver Woes
The offseason acquisition of Jaylen Waddle was supposed to transform the passing attack. Instead, Waddle was targeted just three times, hauling in one catch for two yards. Courtland Sutton, the team's No. 1 receiver, fared little better with two receptions for 11 yards on five targets. Combined, the top two receivers totaled three catches for 13 yards—a stat line that underscores the dysfunction. Even after Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane exited with an injury, the Broncos failed to capitalize. The lack of production from such a talented duo is alarming and points to deeper schematic issues.
Questionable Play Calls and Missed Opportunities
Perhaps the most damning moment came on a 3rd-and-1 in a close game, when the Broncos lined up in a five-wide formation and opted to pass. With a fullback on the roster, a blocking tight end in Adam Trautman, and a re-signed J.K. Dobbins, the decision to ignore the ground game was baffling. Meanwhile, the Chiefs consistently converted short-yardage situations by using heavy personnel and winning at the line of scrimmage. Veteran defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo clearly out-coached Webb, exposing the rookie playcaller's inexperience. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Sean Payton looked visibly frustrated on the sidelines, and it's fair to wonder how long his patience will last.
What's Next for Webb and the Broncos?
It's only one game, and Webb has shown promise as a coach. Teams and playcallers often endure rough starts, and Payton's squads are known for slow Septembers. But the margin for error in the NFL is razor-thin. Webb must make rapid adjustments—reintroducing balance, leveraging his playmakers, and protecting Nix—or risk Payton taking back the reins. The Broncos' faithful are eager for a turnaround, and Vulius will be monitoring every development. For now, Webb's debut serves as a harsh reminder that potential alone doesn't win games.
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