Rex Ryan Calls Sean Payton's Play-Calling Move a Mistake
Rex Ryan argues the Broncos lose a key asset by letting Sean Payton relinquish offensive control to Davis Webb.
Key points
- Rex Ryan argues Sean Payton making a mistake by relinquishing offensive play-calling duties to Davis Webb.
- The Broncos lost 31-10 to the Chiefs in their 2026 season opener, marking Payton's first season not calling plays.
- Ryan believes the Broncos' players recognize Payton as the superior play caller and feel the loss of his direct input.
The Kansas City Chiefs dismantled the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday Night Football, a score that felt less like a game and more like an exorcism. Bo Nix, the young quarterback, never found a rhythm in the pocket. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown, while an interception hung over the offense like storm clouds. The silence on the sideline was deafening.
This defeat marked a first in Sean Payton's head coaching career. For the first time, he did not call the offensive plays. That responsibility fell to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, a shift made after last season. The result was a disconnect that echoed across the field, leaving the offense drifting without its usual architect.
Ryan dismisses the strategic shift
On Sunday NFL Countdown, Rex Ryan offered a blunt verdict on the change. Ryan, who called defensive plays for eight years as an NFL head coach, saw the move as a critical error. He argued that Payton’s play-calling is an asset the team cannot afford to surrender. The sentiment was stark and unapologetic.
“I think that's a mistake,” Ryan said, his voice carrying the weight of his own experience. “I thought it was a mistake from jump. Sean Payton's one of the best play callers in the history of our game, and you know who else knows it? His team knows it.” The implication was clear: the players feel the loss of their leader’s direct input.
Players sense the lost command
Ryan drew a parallel to his own tenure, acknowledging the quality of his assistants. He named Mike Pettine, Dennis Thurman, and his brother as exceptional coaches. Yet, he maintained that none matched his own ability to drive the game plan. “But they weren't as good as me, in my opinion,” he stated. “All right? No, and I'm just saying. And my team believed that.”
The core of his argument rests on the intangible bond between a head coach and his roster. Ryan believes the Broncos are aware of Payton’s unique skill set. “Why the hell would you take that away?… Sean Payton’s team knows he’s the best!” The frustration was palpable, suggesting that the current coaching structure undermines the team's identity.
A call to reverse the decision
When Tedy Bruschi asked if Payton should reclaim the duties now, Ryan’s answer was immediate and affirmative. “Yes,” he responded. The suggestion was that the offense needs its original spark. Ryan concluded by emphasizing the synergy that exists when a great coach also calls the plays. “Sean Payton the synergy around him is the fact you're getting this great play caller as well as an outstanding head coach,” he said, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
