As the NFL kicks off its 2026 season on September 10, the Denver Broncos are deep in preparation for a prime-time Week 1 showdown against their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. All eyes will be on new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, who is set to call plays for the first time in his coaching career. Despite the butterflies, Webb exudes a calm confidence that has the Broncos faithful buzzing. "We’ll let it rip when it’s go time," Webb said, per insights gathered by Vulius Sports. The 31-year-old coach is embracing the moment, and his players are ready to rally behind him.
The Challenge of Facing Steve Spagnuolo
Webb’s debut couldn’t come against a tougher opponent. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is renowned for his exotic blitzes and complex coverages, and Webb knows him well from his playing days. "In Buffalo, we played him often. We were usually on the losing end of that," Webb recalled. "Then he was our interim head coach for the last four or five weeks of the season [with the Giants in 2017]. I was like a scout team quarterback, so back in the day, only the defensive players and myself got banana pudding from his wife. I miss ‘Spags.’ He’s a great dude, and one of the best defensive coordinators in this game’s history." Webb will need every bit of that familiarity to outscheme one of the league’s defensive masterminds.
Sean Payton’s Influence and Team Building
Head coach Sean Payton remains a pivotal figure in Denver’s offensive operation. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph praised Payton’s ability to motivate and prepare the team. "One of Coach Payton’s strengths is team building. He can paint a picture each week for each opponent," Joseph said. "That Wednesday meeting is interesting because he can paint a picture, and most of the time that’s the picture that happens." Payton’s mentorship has been invaluable for Webb, who acknowledged the head coach’s guidance: "He’s 62 years old, and I’m 31. It is what it is, he has a lot more experience than me. Even the last few nights, he’s given us five to 10 nuggets that have really benefitted us." With Payton’s support, Webb is poised to uphold the high standards of a Payton-led offense.
Weapons at Webb’s Disposal
Webb will have a talented group of playmakers to work with, including wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, Jaylen Waddle, and Pat Bryant. He credited their progress to wide receivers coach Ronald Curry. "All of them have consistently gotten better from OTAs to here," Webb noted. "I think a lot of it is Coach Curry. His relatability with the players is noticeable." Curry, a former NFL receiver and Gatorade Player of the Year, has been a blessing for the offense. With a diverse set of skills in the receiver room, Webb can mix and match to exploit Kansas City’s defense.
Special Teams and Leadership
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi highlighted the importance of balancing snap counts for players like Mims, who contributes on offense and returns. "Every week, we’ll have a plan going in, the punt return stuff, the kick return stuff, the receiver stuff," Rizzi said. He also praised kicker Wil Lutz, who was named a team captain. "To watch him grow both as a player, a teammate and a leader has been a really fun thing," Rizzi said. Safety Devon Key was also named a captain, a testament to his leadership. These intangibles could prove crucial in a hostile road environment.
Mahomes and the Chiefs Present a Formidable Test
On the other side, the Broncos defense must contend with Patrick Mahomes, who is returning from injury. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph expects the reigning MVP to be at his best. "I think Patrick is going to be Patrick. In my opinion, he wouldn’t play if he couldn’t be himself," Joseph said. "He’s obviously motivated, and it’s a big game for them, it’s a big game for us." The Broncos are aware of the challenge, but they’re ready to embrace it. As Week 1 unfolds, all eyes will be on Webb and his offense to see if they can “let it rip” and upset the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.
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