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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is expected to hand off play-calling duties for next season to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb. While the decision has not been officially announced, it is highly anticipated.
One former Broncos QB believes it would be good.
More than that, veteran Ben DiNucci believes it may be time for Payton to hand over the reins, particularly to a talent such as Webb.
Ex-Broncos QB Ben DiNucci Gets Honest About Sean Payton
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton speaks with an official during the AFC Championship Playoffs against the New England Patriots.
DiNucci has had two stints with the Broncos under Payton, including this past season, as he served as an emergency third option behind Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger, following Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury.
He was also around for the final season of Russell Wilson’s short tenure, which also fell under Payton’s purview. DiNucci made it clear he would still be confident if he were Payton.
However, he believes a “young innovative mind could refresh the playbook” and the offense.
“He always had a list of coaches and playbooks … that if he ever got a (head) coaching or offensive coordinator spot, he’d be willing to hit ground pretty quickly,” DiNucci said, per The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler on February 16.
“He’s got binders and binders and binders of everything he’s ever been a part of, because he knew that one day, this would be the moment. That’s part of the reason he’s climbed the ranks so quick. That’s one of the reasons he’s going to have success. I think he’s built to do everything you need to be in this league.”
DiNucci touted the “new perspectives” Webb could bring, and that he knows “for a fact” that the former QB would like to call plays.
However, he also conceded that Payton, a former OC himself, has always done so.
Davis Webb Expected to Have Bigger Role With Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb looks on against the New Orleans Saints.
DiNucci believes Webb spurned interest elsewhere because he would get greater ownership in the Broncos’ offense, even if it is not exactly calling plays right away.
He has already made his presence felt.
“I see the way Bo kind of talks and kind of holds himself, as a fan,” DiNucci said. “I think I can see Davis in him. The confidence. The personality. The play style.
“His fourth year, (Webb) obviously had his footprint on his QB room, Stiddy has been the one consistent (piece) his whole time there, and what Stidham has done in the preseason speaks for itself. What I did in 2023 preseason (105.2 QB rating), it all directly relates to Davis and what he’s preaching. The QB coach is the one who’s doing 90% of that stuff.”
The Broncos ranked 10th overall and 14th in scoring offensively in Year 3 under Payton, taking a step back in points but making progress in yards gained. Part of that was an inconsistent rushing attack, but there were also questionsabout personnel usage.
Payton has talked about calling plays while aging, and how the internal process slows down, but because experience breeds hesitancy.
Whether Payton delivers on the expectations around Broncos Country is the big question.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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