Sean Payton made the decision to reclaim play-calling duties, and it paid off immediately as the Denver Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. The victory offered encouragement after an inconsistent opening month under Davis Webb.

Bo Nix completed 16 of 27 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. While Denver secured the win, the offense still needs more explosive plays to reach its potential.

Former NFL running back Damien Harris believes Jaylen Waddle could help provide that spark. Denver surrendered a first-round pick to acquire the receiver, yet his limited involvement has raised questions about how the team uses him.

Harris believes the Broncos must get Waddle the ball more often, allowing his explosiveness to create opportunities for the entire offense.

"He makes Bo Nix look better than Bo Nix might actually be," Harris said.

Harris argued that Waddle's playmaking ability can transform Denver's attack. The receiver can turn routine passes into big gains, giving Nix easier opportunities and forcing defenses to account for another dangerous weapon.

Payton's return to play-calling has given Denver a fresh start. Now, he must find ways to maximize the talent around his quarterback.

Sean Payton Identifies What Bo Nix Needs to Improve

Payton recently highlighted pass protection as a key area for improvement. He wants Denver to provide Nix with a clean pocket early in games, allowing the quarterback to settle down instead of feeling rushed.

Better protection could also help Nix connect with Waddle more consistently. If Denver combines improved blocking with a greater commitment to getting its explosive receiver involved, the offense could become far more dangerous.

The Chargers win was a positive step, but Denver still has work to do. Payton must turn that momentum into sustained offensive production.

Written by

Joseph Nithin