Oct 9, 2026, 2:55 PM CUT
ESPN Analyst Calls for Major Changes to Broncos Offense as Sean Payton Takes Back Play-Calling Duties

Icon Sportswire
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 04: Denver Head Coach, Sean Payton on the sidelines during a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 04, 2026. Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Chargers at Broncos EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon202601013
The Denver Broncos are making a significant change after struggling to find consistency under first-year play-caller Davis Webb. Head coach Sean Payton will reclaim play-calling duties, hoping to get more out of quarterback Bo Nix and an offense that has struggled to establish its identity.
Webb arrived with plenty of promise, but Denver has struggled to deliver explosive plays or build a balanced attack. Nix has shown flashes of creativity outside the pocket, yet the Broncos need a more reliable approach against quality defenses.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently highlighted several problems Payton must address. He wants Nix to throw downfield more confidently, arguing that improvisation cannot become the foundation of the offense.
"He's had stretches where he's been like, hey, I'm going to chuck it," Orlovsky said. "But like in structure, there's been moments when he's broken out of the pocket and created and great. That's not sustainable."
Orlovsky also questioned Denver's rushing attack and its ability to build effective play-action concepts around it. He added that the offense relies too heavily on perimeter plays and lacks enough vertical threats to keep defenses honest.
Payton now has another opportunity to reshape the attack. However, changing the play-caller alone will not solve these issues unless Denver improves its scheme and execution.
Sean Payton Still Believes Davis Webb Can Become an NFL Head Coach
Despite reclaiming control of the offense, Payton has not lost faith in Webb's future. He recently expressed confidence that Webb could become an NFL head coach someday, suggesting the change does not erase his belief in the young coach's potential.
That distinction matters because taking back play-calling duties does not necessarily mean Payton views Webb as a failure. The Broncos need immediate improvement, and Payton brings extensive experience directing an NFL offense.
Webb can still learn from the experience and continue developing as a coach. For now, Denver needs Payton's adjustments to help Nix find greater consistency and give the offense a clearer identity.
Written by
Joseph Nithin