March 1, 2026, 5:01 a.m. MT

Karl Mecklenburg originally shared this post on his social media pages, and it was re-shared here with permission.

What’s Bo Nix’s shelf life with a play caller? He left Auburn after 3 years and transferred to Oregon for 2 years. He got drafted by the Broncos and played for 2 years with Sean Payton as the play caller. Next season Davis Webb will be the Broncos offensive play caller. Maybe it’s just typical football player and coach turnover, but maybe it’s Bo. I do know that when the quarterback/play caller connection is tight it makes a huge difference in team success. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are a great example.

I was the Broncos defensive captain with Joe Collier and then Wade Phillips calling the defensive plays. In both cases, over time, I developed an understanding of what they wanted in specific situations. With both defensive coordinators there were offensive looks where I’d adjust the defense based on that knowledge. With Wade, there would be times he was still looking at his play sheet as the other team broke the huddle. I knew what he was going to call, so I’d just call it with no sideline confirmation. That unspoken mental connection takes more than 2 years.

From all reports Davis Webb is the next young gun in offensive play calling. I hope he and Bo have the chance to work together for many years and develop that telepathy that only time together allows. If so, it will take Nix’s play to the next level. Go Broncos!

Mecklenburg played for the Denver Broncos from 1983-1994, earning six Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro selections during his decorated career in the NFL. Mecklenburg is now a motivational keynote speaker. You can book Mecklenburg on his website. 

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