As the NFL season hits its stride in mid-September 2026, the Denver Broncos find themselves searching for answers after a humbling 31-10 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Head coach Sean Payton didn’t mince words in his postgame press conference, shouldering the blame for a performance that left little to celebrate. “Obviously not a great evening. Didn’t do a lot well at all in the game,” Payton admitted. “That starts with me, that starts with our coaching staff. I thought they won, really, in every phase.”
Payton’s Frustration Boils Over
In a surprising move, Payton relinquished play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb, a decision that drew scrutiny as the offense sputtered. When asked if it was especially frustrating not to be in control, Payton remained steadfast. “As a head coach, always, whether you’re calling the plays or not — regardless of who’s calling the plays, when you have a game like that and you’re the head coach, it’s frustrating, it’s disappointing,” he said. “I don’t know that the feeling is any different whether you’re calling them or not, honestly.” According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Payton’s willingness to delegate signals a broader trust in his staff, but the results on Monday night did little to validate that confidence.
Ground Game Grounded
The Broncos’ rushing attack was virtually nonexistent, with running backs J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey combining for just 11 carries and 54 yards. Payton acknowledged the imbalance, noting that the team frequently faced long-yardage situations and played from behind for the entire second half. “Our third down numbers weren’t good, our rushing numbers weren’t good, pick your spot,” he said. “Lot of long yardage, lot of throws, not enough runs.” The inability to establish the run put immense pressure on the passing game, which failed to find a rhythm against a stout Chiefs defense.
Evaluating Webb’s Play Calling
When pressed on how he’ll assess Webb’s performance as a play caller, Payton took a measured approach. “No different than a player, just evaluating the first quarter, the game, and then making the corrections and learning,” he explained. This methodical mindset is classic Payton, but it also underscores the urgency for improvement. The Broncos have a lot of corrections to make, and the coaching staff will need to dissect every facet of the game to avoid a repeat performance.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the Broncos must find a way to balance their offense and execute in critical moments. With Payton’s leadership and a renewed focus on fundamentals, Denver hopes to turn the page quickly. For die-hard fans and fantasy owners alike, the message is clear: this team is a work in progress, but the talent is there to compete. Stay tuned to Vulius for ongoing coverage and analysis of the Broncos’ journey.
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