From Denver Broncos On SI · · 1m
Webb's Empty Set Call Cost Broncos
Webb's 3rd-and-1 empty set call hurt Broncos' chances against Chiefs.
In brief
Webb's 3rd-and-1 empty set call hurt Broncos' chances against Chiefs. Denver's offensive coordinator Davis Webb's empty set decision on 3rd-and-1 against Kansas City Chiefs left fullback Adam Prentice split wide, costing Denver a potential run threat. Originally reported by Denver Broncos On SI.
Quick answers
- Why Empty Set?
- Webb neglected ground game despite Prentice's short-yardage success.
- What is the key takeaway from Webb's Empty Set Call Cost Broncos?
- Denver's offensive coordinator Davis Webb's empty set decision on 3rd-and-1 against Kansas City Chiefs left fullback Adam Prentice split wide, costing Denver a potential run threat.
Webb's Empty Set Call
Denver Broncos lost 31-10 to Chiefs in Week 1.
“Six snaps. That was all that fullback Adam Prentice played for the Denver Broncos in Monday night's debacle at Arrowhead Stadium.”
Prentice Elevation
Prentice elevated from practice squad for Week 1.
“Despite being a featured player in the Broncos' offense in the preseason, especially in short-yardage situations, and being elevated from the practice squad for Week 1, Prentice barely saw the field against the Kansas City Chiefs.”
3rd-and-1 Decision
Webb called empty set on 3rd-and-1 with 4:56 left.
“It came in the second quarter with 4:56 left on the clock and the game tied 7-7. Webb made the decision to go with an empty set, despite needing only one yard to move the chains.”
Why Empty Set?
Webb neglected ground game despite Prentice's short-yardage success.
“This 3rd-and-1 situation reflected Webb's neglect of the ground game, and he decided to go empty, with Bo Nix in the shotgun and no back beside him.”
Prentice Split Wide
Prentice split wide as receiver on play.
“Ironically, Prentice was on the field for that play, but he was split out wide as a receiver.”
Momentum Shift
Broncos punted after failed play.
“After the failed attempt, the Broncos punted, and from there, Nix and the offense didn't have the same fire or energy.”
Run Threat Missing
No run threat after empty set.
“Maybe the Broncos still wouldn't have scored on that drive if they'd had Prentice lined up in the backfield on 3rd-and-1.”
Webb's Trust Issue
Webb lacked trust in proven play.
“In that situation, Webb showed his lack of trust in a proven play by going with a spread empty look in which Denver has typically struggled.”
Why It Matters
Run threat changes defense's play.
“Just posing the threat of a run changes how defenses have to play you, giving them a split-second hesitation.”
What Happened Next
Broncos missed run opportunity.
“What Prentice can do as a short-yardage ball-carrier or lead blocker matters far more than being split out wide in a short-yardage situation.”
Consequence
Webb's call cost Broncos critical chance.
“The Broncos missed the chance to use him against the Chiefs in a critical situation.”
At a glance
Denver's offensive coordinator Davis Webb's empty set decision on 3rd-and-1 against Kansas City Chiefs left fullback Adam Prentice split wide, costing Denver a potential run threat.
