# Webb's Empty Set Call Cost Broncos

> Webb's 3rd-and-1 empty set call hurt Broncos' chances against Chiefs.
- Title: Webb's Empty Set Call Cost Broncos · Denver Broncos On SI
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: davis webb, denver broncos, kansas city chiefs, adam prentice, bo nix, nfl, offensive coordinator, fullback, 3rd-and-1, empty set, sports, Webb's
- Source: Denver Broncos On SI — https://si.com/nfl/broncos/onsi/davis-webb-most-baffling-call-vs-chiefs-deserves-a-closer-look
- Published: 2026-09-16T13:00:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: davis webb, denver broncos, kansas city chiefs, adam prentice, bo nix, nfl, offensive coordinator, fullback, 3rd-and-1, empty set, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.