Sean Payton on Broncos' Struggling Offense: 'We Gotta Figure It Out Fast'

As the NFL season hits its stride in early October 2026, the Denver Broncos find themselves at a crossroads. Following a disheartening 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, head coach Sean Payton didn't mince words: "We gotta figure it out fast." The defeat drops Denver to 2-2, already two games behind the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the early-season struggles are raising alarms, and according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the pressure is mounting on first-year play-caller Davis Webb.

Slow Starts Plague Broncos Offense

For the fourth consecutive game, the Broncos' offense sputtered out of the gate. Against the 49ers, they managed just three points by halftime, ultimately failing to mount a comeback. This pattern is becoming a concerning trend: in Week 1 against the Chiefs, they had seven at the half; in Week 2 versus the Jaguars, three; and in Week 3 against the Rams, they were scoreless before a fortunate rally. "We've had some opportunities, but there are a handful of things that aren't clicking," Payton told reporters postgame, per 104.3 The Fan. The inefficiency is glaring, from quarterback Bo Nix's inconsistent execution to a run game that averaged a paltry 3.7 yards per carry on Sunday.

Play-Calling Under Fire

When asked if he would consider taking back play-calling duties from Webb, Payton was noncommittal. "It's too early — it's a fair question; I appreciate it. And, man, it's tough to discuss any of that right now," he said. Webb, who took over the reins this season, is under intense scrutiny as the offense ranks near the bottom of the league in first-half scoring. Payton, renowned as one of football's great offensive minds, faces a difficult decision: trust the process or reclaim control to jumpstart a unit that looks lost. As highlighted on Vulius, the Broncos' championship window hinges on resolving these issues swiftly.

Quarterback Play and Running Game Woes

Bo Nix, the second-year quarterback, has shown flashes but remains inconsistent. His decision-making and accuracy have been questioned, and without a reliable ground game, the offense has become one-dimensional. Javonte Williams, the lead back, has struggled to find holes, and the offensive line has yet to gel. The Broncos' offense is averaging just 17.5 points per game, a far cry from the explosive units Payton has orchestrated in the past. With upcoming matchups against division rivals, time is running out to right the ship.

What's Next for Denver?

The Broncos return to the practice field this week with a sense of urgency. Payton emphasized that the team must "figure it out fast" as they prepare for Week 5. The coaching staff will likely evaluate every aspect, from scheme to personnel. If the struggles persist, Payton may have no choice but to take over play-calling, a move that could either spark a turnaround or add further chaos. For now, all eyes are on Webb and Nix to deliver. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk observes, Denver's season is at a tipping point—and the clock is ticking.

"We gotta figure it out fast, because we're going into Week 5." — Sean Payton

For die-hard Broncos fans, the frustration is palpable. But with Payton's track record, there's still hope. The question is whether he can push the right buttons before the season slips away. Stay tuned to Vulius for ongoing coverage and analysis of this developing story.