ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- In nine words Thursday, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton made the biggest move he could to try to kick-start the team's struggling offense.
"We'll make a change offensively; I'll call the plays,'' Payton said after practice. It ends offensive coordinator Davis Webb's four-game tenure as the team's playcaller, after Payton had offered so much optimism in the offseason when he stepped away from those duties. Payton said it was his "instincts" that were the root of the change.
The Broncos (2-2) are near the bottom of the league rankings in scoring (27th), total yards per game (27th), rushing yards per game (29th), passing yards per game (20th), QBR (23rd) and Offensive EPA (22nd at -7.48). Only six teams have had more three-and-out possessions than the Broncos this season as 27.5% of their possessions have ended with three downs and a punt. Quarterback Bo Nix's play has also been a concern, ranking 22nd in QBR (46.1) and 27th in average air yards per attempt (5.9).
Payton said he met with Webb and the team's offensive players and staff Monday before the team began to game-plan for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He noted that he was hired as the New Orleans Saints head coach in 2006 and recalled when then-Giants coach Jim Fassell took away playcalling duties from him during the 2002 season.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing