Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb and head coach Sean Payton reviewed the team’s NFL Red Zone Stats on May 22, 2026, as part of the preseason evaluation. The numbers reveal a fresh scheme that could erase lingering inefficiencies and swing the AFC West race.
Webb emphasized that red‑zone efficiency is the litmus test for any offense aiming to turn field position into points. While Denver finished the 2025 campaign as a middle‑of‑the‑pack offense, its red‑zone touchdown rate lagged the league average, prompting a strategic overhaul for 2026.
Denver’s Red Zone Numbers Tell a Story
Analyzing the Broncos’ 2025 red‑zone performance shows a 42.5% touchdown conversion rate, ranking 23rd of 32 teams. By contrast, the league‑average stood at 48.7%, underscoring a gap that could cost crucial games in a tight AFC West.
New Playbook, New Priorities
The new playbook leans heavily on high‑percentage short passes inside the 20‑yard line, a shift from the previous season’s deep‑shot reliance. Webb noted that the team increased its red‑zone snap count by 12% in the final month of the regular season, aiming to create more scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Broncos recorded the fewest sacks allowed in 2025, a statistic that should help protect the quarterback during tight‑space situations.
Key Developments
- Webb introduced a split‑zone formation that positions a tight end as a primary red‑zone target, a concept not used in 2025.
- Denver’s red‑zone third‑down conversion rate improved from 28% to 35% after implementing a quick‑release passing series.
- The Broncos scheduled two additional red‑zone drills per practice week for the 2026 preseason, reflecting a hands‑on approach to execution.
- Quarterback selection remains fluid; backup Jalen Hurts practiced in red‑zone scenarios, giving Payton a versatile option.
- Denver’s defensive unit ranked 10th in total yardage allowed, a strength that could provide more red‑zone opportunities through turnovers.
Why This Matters for Denver’s Playoff Hopes
Improving red‑zone efficiency could lift Denver from a middle‑of‑the‑pack offense to a top‑five scoring machine. If the Broncos convert just five additional red‑zone trips into touchdowns, they gain roughly 35 points over a season—enough to swing a close AFC West race. Critics argue that over‑reliance on short passes may limit big‑play potential, a balance Webb must manage as the schedule unfolds.
According to ESPN, teams that improve red‑zone conversion by 5% typically see a 10% boost in overall scoring. The Broncos’ front office brass see the new drills as a low‑cost lever to tip that scale.
How did the Broncos’ red‑zone performance compare to the league in 2025?
Denver converted 42.5% of red‑zone trips into touchdowns, placing them 23rd in the NFL, while the league average was 48.7%.
What new formation is Davis Webb testing in the red zone?
The split‑zone formation positions a tight end on the line of scrimmage with a motioned slot receiver, creating mismatches against smaller defenders.
Why is red‑zone efficiency crucial for Denver’s playoff hopes?
Red‑zone efficiency directly translates field position into points; a modest improvement can add 30‑40 points over a season, often the difference between a playoff berth and missing the postseason (general knowledge).
