Rex Ryan isn't holding back when it comes to Sean Payton's latest decision with the Denver Broncos. The ESPN analyst believes Payton has made a critical error by handing over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb for the 2026 season. According to Ryan, Payton's strength as a head coach lies in his play-calling, and taking that away is a mistake.
Ryan voiced his concerns on "Sunday NFL Countdown," where he didn't mince words. "I think that's a mistake," Ryan said. "I thought it was a mistake from jump. Sean Payton's one of the best play callers in the history of our game, and you know who else knows it? His team knows it."
The Broncos opened the season with a disappointing 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game that highlighted the team's offensive struggles. Despite the setback, Payton has remained committed to letting Webb call the plays, but Ryan believes that's the wrong approach.
"So why the (heck) would you take that away?" Ryan asked. "Look, one of the reasons you got that job, you've had the success you've had in your career, is because you call the offense. I mean, and look, I had great assistant coaches, don't get me wrong. Mike Pettine was a hell of a coach. Dennis Thurman, a hell of a coach. My brother, a hell of a coach. But they weren't as good as me, in my opinion. All right? No, and I'm just saying. And my team believed that. Sean Payton's team knows he's the best."
Ryan's criticism isn't just about the X's and O's; it's about the psychological impact on the team. He argues that players feed off the confidence and expertise of their head coach, and when Payton isn't calling plays, the team loses that edge. "Sean Payton the synergy around him is the fact you're getting this great play caller as well as an outstanding head coach," Ryan added.
When asked directly if Payton should reverse his decision and resume play-calling duties, Ryan didn't hesitate. "Yes," he said emphatically.
This isn't the first time Payton's coaching decisions have come under scrutiny. Earlier this year, there was speculation about Payton's role in the Broncos' pursuit of Drew Brees, with Payton himself admitting he was the odd man out in those discussions. That saga added another layer to the ongoing narrative of Payton's involvement in the team's offensive strategy.
The Broncos' loss to the Chiefs also brought attention to officiating, with some fans and analysts calling out missed calls, including a controversial no-flag on Travis Kelce's hold. That controversy, detailed in a breakdown of the referees' decisions, only amplified the frustration in Denver.
As the Broncos look to bounce back, the question remains: Will Payton stick with Webb, or will he heed Ryan's advice and take back control? For Ryan, the answer is clear. The Broncos need their head coach to be the play-caller if they want to succeed, and the longer Payton waits, the more the team suffers.
With the season still young, Denver has time to correct course. But as Ryan's comments suggest, the clock is ticking on Payton to make the right call.
