The Chargers are still looking for their first win of the season vs. Denver this week. After tough back-to-back one score losses on the road, LA returns home to SoFi Stadium. But the fanbase is truly deflated. And the Broncos likely see this game as an opportunity to put another nail in the coffin of the Chargers' season.
The Chargers are already dealing with plenty of injury issues heading into this game. Add that together with the fact that they're currently one of the worst offenses in the league-you can imagine that the Broncos smell blood in the water. But interestingly, Denver has to figure out some of their own in-house issues this week. And one big decision by HC Sean Payton might have a big impact on Sunday's game.
Broncos HC Sean Payton opts to take back play calling duties before big divisional showdown with the Chargers.
Payton officially announced on Thursday that he would call plays vs. the Chargers. OC Davis Webb had control of play calling duties through the first four games of this season. The Broncos are 21st in offensive EPA under Webb with a particular struggle in first half scoring. Clearly, Payton believes he can ignite a spark by taking back the reigns for the offense. Webb was originally given more responsibility as a play caller with Denver due to his name being in demand in the previous head coaching cycle.
Payton could sequence the offense a bit better than Webb has with more short passes at the line of scrimmage and screens. The Broncos were 2nd of 32 teams last year in screen pass rate (11.3%). That number has dipped to just over 9% and 13th in the league this season. In order to get QB Bo Nix some more momentum from drive to drive, I wouldn't be surprised if Payton reapplies more of the training wheels from last year's offense near the line of scrimmage. It would also be a way to involve Jaylen Waddle's dangerous skillset.
Here's what Chargers DC Chris O'Leary had to say about Payton taking back play calling duties:
"Doesn't really change the process," O'Leary said. "When you play a team that's in the same division through a stretch of time, you definitely watch that film. We're aware of it. So it's something going into the gameplan. We feel like we're prepared. Obviously, he's a great play caller. He's won a Super Bowl, like all of those things. So going into the game, I'm well aware of that of how we approach it. With that being said, we feel like we're prepared for all of the possibilities. And then when we get to the game and the actual calling of the game, I'll be well aware of who it is."
The Chargers' defense has stabilized over the last few weeks vs. Buffalo and Seattle. The Seahawks were able to put up 30 points, but the Chargers' defense did about as well as you could ask for when losing the turnover battle 4-1.
O'Leary's group has done a better job of getting pressure and converting sacks in recent weeks. That will be an emphasis with the elusive Bo Nix and how good he generally is at evading pressure.
Payton calling the plays is probably not as much of a concern for the Chargers' defense relative to their offense. It's up to Mike McDaniel's group to not underperform as the star Broncos HC returns to the spotlight.
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