Hands Up If You’re NOT Surprised Sean Payton is Calling Broncos Plays Again

The Broncos announced a "more collaborative play-calling approach" this week. Then Sean Payton stepped to the podium and explained what collaborative means. "I'll call the plays."

Rich enjoyed that. Adam Schefter's report on Thursday framed it as an increased role for Payton while Davis Webb kept a significant game-planning and game-day role. Payton's own words were more direct, and he made a point of protecting Webb in the same breath. "I've done this long enough where I know when I have a future head coach," Payton said. "And he's going to be one."

Rich believes him. "By the way, that's the truth," he said, and the studio pointed out that Payton has lived this exact situation from the other side. Jim Fassel took play-calling back from him with the Giants. "How's it worked out for Sean Payton?" came the reply from the room.

Rich admitted his first reaction when Payton gave up the play sheet was skepticism. "When I first heard Sean Payton wasn't calling the plays, I'm like, really?" He was clear this is not a knock on Webb, who he said has a great offensive mind. It is about who is available. "If I'm owning the Denver Broncos, I want this guy calling the plays with all due respect to anybody else," he said. "I want you doing it, man."

His read on Payton is that "the guy only knows one speed," and that stepping back was an attempt to slow down after so many years in the role. The quarterback situation forced the issue. Daniel Jeremiah said earlier in the show that Bo Nix isn't seeing things the right way, and Kurt Warner said the same on Wednesday: Nix is checking it down when receivers are open. If Payton can get into Nix's head, Rich said, Denver kind of owes it to him to try.

Rich also noted, with some amusement, that Webb's handoff went far more smoothly than the last play-calling switch in the state of Colorado. That one involved Jim Mora Jr. at Colorado State taking the duties from his defensive coordinator in the middle of a game. The coordinator walked out, and by the end of the game Mora had fired him. "So, at least there's that," Rich said.

What happens with Webb down the line is a question for later. For now, Rich's message to Denver was simple: if you're a Broncos fan, and certainly if you're Broncos management, "I want an all-time great doing it."