Ian Rapoport advises Sean Payton against drastic Broncos play-calling changes
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has urged Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton to resist making drastic play-calling changes, despite the team’s disappointing 31-10 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Rapoport’s counsel comes after the Broncos’ new offensive strategy, which saw Payton delegate play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, yielded only 10 points against their division rivals.
Speaking on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Rapoport underscored his belief in Webb’s abilities. He highlighted Payton’s discerning eye for coaching talent. The insider suggested that one poor outing shouldn’t trigger a fundamental shift in strategy for the new season.
Rapoport’s Rationale for Continuity in Broncos Play-Calling Changes
Rapoport stressed that Payton’s decision to hand over play-calling to Davis Webb was a considered move, not a rash one. He emphasized Payton’s reputation as a “great evaluator of coaches.” This suggests a deep-seated trust in Webb’s capacity to lead the offense.
“Davis Webb is a really good young coach and Sean Payton did this for a really good reason.. Sean Payton is a great evaluator of coaches and he knows what he has in Davis Webb,” Rapoport stated. This reinforces the idea that the first game should not be the sole determinant for future decisions.
Week 1 results in the NFL are notoriously misleading. They often fail to predict a team’s ultimate trajectory. Rapoport’s comments reflect this broader understanding across the league. He clearly believes that stability will ultimately benefit the Broncos more than a knee-jerk reaction.
The Delegation Dilemma for Sean Payton
Sean Payton assumed the role of head coach for the Denver Broncos on February 3, 2023. He is now entering his fourth season with the team. Historically, Payton has been known as one of the NFL’s premier offensive minds, rarely relinquishing play-calling duties.
His decision to delegate these responsibilities to Davis Webb for the 2026 season marked a significant philosophical shift. Payton had previously discussed the possibility of giving up play-calling in February 2026, indicating he would only do so for someone he fully trusted. This trust had built up over Webb’s tenure, which began as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach in 2023.
Webb’s promotion to offensive coordinator on February 2, 2026, and the subsequent trust placed in him, speaks volumes about Payton’s confidence. It’s a calculated risk by the veteran coach to empower his young coordinator. Payton has publicly affirmed that Webb “has a gift” for coaching.
Broncos’ Offensive Struggles and Bo Nix’s Debut
The Denver Broncos’ offense struggled profoundly against the Chiefs on Monday, September 14, 2026, managing only 10 points. Quarterback Bo Nix, returning from a broken right ankle that ended his 2025 season, had a particularly rough start. He threw an interception to Kansas City Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane on his very first pass attempt.
While the Broncos managed a strong second drive that resulted in a touchdown, the offense largely stalled for the remainder of the game. This “lifeless effort,” as described by some observers, directly contributed to the lopsided 31-10 defeat. It immediately raised questions about the new play-calling structure.
Nix, a 2024 NFL Draft pick, showed promise in his first two seasons. He set franchise rookie records with 3,775 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. He followed that with 3,931 yards in 2025. This Week 1 performance was certainly not the start he or the team had envisioned.
Chiefs’ Dominant Start and Key Returns
On the other side of the field, the Kansas City Chiefs delivered a commanding performance, securing a 31-10 victory over the Broncos. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also made his return from injury, having suffered a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 of the previous season (2025). Mahomes was cleared for the opener and participated fully in practice leading up to the game.
The Chiefs’ ground game proved particularly potent, spearheaded by running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker III amassed an impressive 173 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 23 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. His performance included a remarkable 60-yard run, and he also contributed three catches for 18 yards, highlighting his versatility.
The team collectively rushed for 220 yards, showcasing a balanced offensive attack. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane also made an immediate impact, intercepting Bo Nix’s first pass. Delane, a unanimous All-America selection in college, was the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft for the Chiefs, who traded up to secure him. This comprehensive showing from the Chiefs provided a stark contrast to Denver’s struggles.
The Road Ahead: Jacksonville Jaguars Await
The Denver Broncos now face immediate pressure to rebound from their demoralizing Week 1 defeat. Their next challenge comes against the Jacksonville Jaguars. A significant improvement in offensive execution will be paramount for Sean Payton’s team to avoid starting the season 0-2.
The coaching staff will meticulously review the film from the Chiefs game to identify areas for adjustment. The focus will likely be on improving offensive rhythm and protecting Bo Nix. This is a critical juncture for the Broncos as they aim to demonstrate their strategic changes can yield positive results.
Many NFL coaches and analysts view early season struggles as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for panic. The team’s ability to learn from this experience will define their early season trajectory. They are still searching for their first win of the new campaign. The Chiefs vs Broncos clash showcased both teams’ potential.
Broader Implications for Denver’s Season Outlook
Sean Payton’s tenure with the Broncos has centered on establishing a new culture and offensive identity. Delegating play-calling represents a key piece of this strategy. An early season setback, while certainly concerning, doesn’t necessarily invalidate Payton’s long-term vision, particularly given his stated belief in Davis Webb’s potential.
The Broncos wrapped up a strong 2025 regular season, finishing 14-3 and claiming the AFC West title. Quarterback Bo Nix had a standout year, throwing for 3,931 yards and leading the league with 10 game-winning drives. This successful campaign naturally elevated expectations for the current season.
A significant performance dip could quickly reignite scrutiny over the team’s stability, however, so Denver’s immediate focus remains on internal improvements.
This early test against the Chiefs provided valuable, albeit painful, lessons. It underscored areas where the Broncos must quickly adapt and improve. The Chiefs, despite missing the playoffs in 2025 with a 6-11 record, delivered a commanding performance. How Payton and Webb respond in the coming weeks will be crucial, directly shaping the narrative around Denver’s 2026 season.
The team’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure will be closely watched. They need to demonstrate that their new offensive scheme is viable and can consistently produce scoring drives. This performance will be vital as they navigate a challenging AFC West schedule. The season is still young, but the spotlight is squarely on Denver.