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DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 04: (L-R) Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos speaks to Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on January 04, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)

After losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, the Denver Broncos expected a quiet postseason wrap-up week after a great season. 

Instead, a few comments from Sean Payton and a public response from their franchise quarterback shifted the tone fast.

Head coach Sean Payton described quarterback Bo Nix as being “predisposed” to the ankle injury he suffered in Denver’s playoff win. 

Payton framed the injury as inevitable, citing the operating surgeon and suggesting it was “a matter of when, not if.” 

Nix denied those claims: 

“Nothing predisposed, nothing that was there originally,” Nix said Wednesday, via 9NEWS. “Just a simple bone break.”

He went a step further, pushing back on Payton discussing his medical history publicly at all.

“I don’t think he really should share how many surgeries I’ve had in the past,” Nix said. “He doesn’t even really know that.”

As Yahoo Sports noted, their exchange highlighted why the Broncos may need Davis Webb now more than they realized.

A Power Dynamic That Needs Managing

There’s no question Payton and Nix respect each other. But they don’t always see eye to eye. 

Payton is one of the league’s most confident and yes, egotistical, coaches in the NFL. 

His track record gives him reason to be. 

He’s demanding, exacting, and unapologetically in control. Historically, it’s his way or no way, but that mentality has generated plenty of success. 

Nix, meanwhile, is no longer just the rookie learning the ropes. 

After throwing for 3,931 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the NFL in pass attempts, he’s earned major credibility inside the locker room. 

More importantly, he’s starting to carry himself like the face of the franchise.

Nix calling his own press conference wasn’t random, it was him standing his ground.

This isn’t a crisis yet, but it’s the type of tension that can quietly grow if left unmanaged, especially with a strong head coach and a rapidly emerging leader at quarterback.

That’s where Davis Webb becomes indispensable.

Why Keeping Davis Webb is Critical 

Webb isn’t just a quarterbacks coach. He’s the connective tissue between Payton’s authority and Nix’s growing voice.

Webb has built an exceptionally strong relationship with Nix, not just in terms of mechanics and scheme, but with trust.

At the same time, Webb understands Payton’s expectations.

He knows the job, speaks the same football language, and understands how set Payton can be in his beliefs.

It’s also why the timing of Denver’s decision to move on from Joe Lombardi felt intentional rather than reactive.

Promoting Webb to the OC position isn’t just about continuity in the offense; it’s about maintaining balance in the most important relationship inside the organization.

He can manage Payton’s intensity, relay Nix’s concerns, and keep moments like this from becoming bigger issues.

Additionally, Webb has already been mentioned around the league as a future head coach, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Broncos see him as part of their long-term plan once Sean Payton’s time in Denver is over.

For now, though, his value is immediate.

If Webb is promoted, he will become the steady presence between a head coach who wants full control and a quarterback beginning to assert himself.

After what surfaced this week, the Broncos don’t just like Davis Webb. Keeping him in Denver suddenly feels necessary.

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