NFL

Sean Payton to take more active role in Broncos playcalling

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 8, 2026, 22:53 IST

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is set to increase his involvement in playcalling duties during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers as the team attempts to improve their struggling offensive performance.

Sean Payton to take more active role in Broncos playcalling

The Denver Broncos are shifting their offensive strategy ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, with head coach Sean Payton set to take a more collaborative and hands-on role in the team's playcalling process. While Payton delegated these responsibilities to first-year offensive coordinator Davis Webb during the offseason, the decision to increase his involvement comes as the team looks to address early-season offensive inconsistencies.

Despite the change in approach, Webb is expected to remain the primary voice on the headset for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Payton, who has maintained a significant presence in offensive meetings and game-planning throughout the season, will now be more active on the headsets during game-day possessions. This adjustment follows a four-game stretch where the Broncos have struggled to find a consistent rhythm on the field.

Addressing early season offensive struggles

The Broncos currently sit at a 2-2 record, but their offensive output has been statistically underwhelming. The team ranks 27th in both scoring and total yards per game, while their rushing attack sits 29th in the league. Furthermore, the offense has struggled to sustain drives, with 27.5% of their possessions ending in three-and-outs, a figure that ranks among the highest in the NFL.

Quarterback Bo Nix has faced challenges in his debut season, currently holding a 46.1 QBR and averaging 5.9 air yards per attempt. The team has also struggled to generate explosive plays, ranking 30th in the league with only 16 plays of at least 10 yards on the ground or 20 yards through the air. Payton has frequently expressed frustration regarding the team's inability to execute on first down, which has often forced the offense into difficult down-and-distance situations.

Focusing on execution and detail

When asked about the decision to adjust the playcalling dynamic, Payton emphasized that the primary goal is to improve the precision and execution of each play. He noted that the coaching staff has spent time evaluating the performance from the first four games, highlighting the need for better attention to detail to correct the current trajectory of the offense.

Payton maintained that the team's issues are rooted in the finer points of execution rather than a need for a fundamental overhaul of their offensive philosophy. As the Broncos prepare to face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium, the coaching staff remains focused on refining their approach to ensure better consistency. While Payton will be more involved in the decision-making process during the game, he continues to stress that the collective effort of the staff and players is essential to turning their offensive performance around.