As the Denver Broncos were being pummeled by the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, there were several things to be concerned about.
The Broncos couldn't tackle. In fact, they were historically bad
in that department. They couldn't slow down the run, let alone stop it. They committed penalties that set them back and couldn't get out of their own way all night against a Chiefs team that was prepared to make a serious statement.But as the crushing defeat unfolded, it was obvious who many Broncos fans were going to immediately point the finger of blame at: new offensive coordinator and playcaller Davis Webb.
There are arguments that have sound reasoning for making such a drastic move after one game, but that's just it; it was one game. Fans and
those in the media are making way too much of Week 1 in an NFL season.
Broncos should not strip Davis Webb of play-calling duties
Allow me to be clear. The Broncos did not lose this game because of Webb or his play-calling. And let's not forget that many Broncos fans felt that Sean Payton had become stale as a play-caller and that a fresh set of eyes was needed in that role.
Now, granted, the Broncos likely would have lost Webb to another team this offseason had he not been given play-calling duties, but that is not the only reason that decision was made. Payton had the confidence to make that move, and he absolutely cannot go back on it after one game.
The Broncos lost this game for a variety of reasons, but at the top of that list is that they just weren't prepared to match the energy and intensity that Kansas City came out with. Having home-field advantage, which is huge in the NFL, was a major factor in this game. The Chiefs were led by the momentous return of their leader, Patrick Mahomes, in one of the most hostile environments to play in the NFL.
The defense, which many feel is the best defense in the league, struggled mightily, much more than the offense, in fact, and no one is calling for Vance Joseph to be replaced.
This was a tough defeat for all involved in orange and blue. But to make Webb the scapegoat is both irresponsible and nonsensical. Payton calling plays on Monday night would not have made a bit of a difference. Kansas City was prepared for the moment and Denver was not.
That is why you saw the result that you saw.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Should Sean Payton take back play-calling from Davis Webb?
