'Very Messy,' Rival NFL Exec Explains Sean Payton-Davis Webb Concern After Broncos' Struggles

After a lackluster Week 1 performance, Davis Webb's status as offensive play-caller for the Denver Broncos already appears to be on some thin ice.

Per The Athletic's Jonathan Jones, one executive from a rival AFC club explained things could get "very messy" between Webb and head coach Sean Payton if the Broncos have a slow start on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars:

"I think Sean's play calling last year was unbelievable. He is such an elite play caller. Davis is a good dude, but he's 31 and never called plays before. That's going to be an interesting situation. They have a helluva schedule. They have a tough one against Jacksonville. If they come out of the gates slowly, it's gonna be hard for Sean to stick with this. That would get very messy."

One of the most surprising moves of the NFL offseason was Payton announcing in February that he was ceding play-calling duties for the offense to Webb.

The decision came as Webb was generating a lot of interest as a head coaching candidate. He was reportedly viewed as a "strong" option for the Las Vegas Raiders, and he interviewed with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.

Webb wound up withdrawing his name from consideration for the Raiders job. The 31-year-old has only been coaching since the 2023 season when he was hired by Payton to join Denver's staff. He was the quarterbacks coach for three seasons, and added the title of offensive pass game coordinator in 2025.

Webb had no prior play-calling experience before being named Broncos offensive coordinator in February. It also marked the first time in Payton's head-coaching career dating back to his first season with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 that he wasn't calling plays for the offense.

The entirety of Denver's performance in a 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 was a disappointment, but the offense putting up 176 yards and nine first downs led to a lot of scrutiny around the play-calling.

Even though Payton came to Webb's defense, it's hard to envision a head coach who is as hands-on as Payton has been throughout his career not taking control if he thinks things are spiraling in the wrong direction.

Sunday's game against a Jaguars defense that gave Denver plenty of problems in their Week 16 matchup last season could go a long way toward determining if Webb holds onto his job or if Payton steps back in.