Davis Webb got his first live turn calling plays for the Denver Broncos last Friday, and the preseason debut offered an encouraging opening result. Against the Atlanta Falcons, Denver’s offense produced 359 yards, 27 points and 24 first downs in a performance that suggested the new setup can function even without Bo Nix on the field.
It was only preseason, but the numbers still mattered because they came in Webb’s first game as the play-caller after taking over this offseason from Sean Payton. Webb is still in just his fourth year as a coach, yet the offense looked organized and productive, with six different targets recording catches of at least 15 yards and one 40-yard catch helping stretch the field.
Why Webb’s first game mattered
The main takeaway from the debut was not just the yardage total. It was the way the Broncos moved the ball with a mix of familiar structure and a few new wrinkles under Webb, who worked under Payton and has kept most of the concepts and plans in place. That continuity matters for a unit trying to build on offseason work while adjusting to a new voice in charge of the offense.
Evan Engram offered the clearest praise for Webb’s approach. Engram, who joined Denver last year and said Webb’s presence on the coaching staff was a major reason he signed, described the offense as something built for everyone. His point was simple: when everybody has a role and everybody has a chance to touch the ball, the unit becomes harder to defend.
Engram sees a broader role for the offense
Engram also noted that Webb has done a good job utilizing all of his weapons, and he believes that should make the Broncos more dangerous once the games count. He said the offense is on a larger scale than just one position group, with the structure helping players feel more comfortable and play faster.
That has been important for Engram personally as well. He said he feels more confident, breaks the huddle with more confidence and is playing faster. He also pointed out that while there are some different things in the offense, it is still the same family and the same background in terms of style.
There is still a long way to go before the season starts, and a preseason game does not tell the whole story. But for Webb, the first test as play-caller was a productive one. The Broncos moved the ball, generated explosive plays and showed enough variety to make the early outlook worth watching.
