If we are reviewing the receipts, though, it’s quite clear that the early returns on the Broncos’ offense under Payton are promising. As the No. 15 offense in total yards, Payton has coached Russell Wilson to improved levels of production.

The Broncos enter Week 4 with the No. 8 passing offense. Meanwhile, Wilson ranks No. 8 in passing yards, No. 6 in passing touchdowns, and No. 7 in passer rating.

That’s what you call a top-10 quarterback.

If Payton can help Joseph figure out how to correct the Broncos’ defensive issues, and the offense can begin to produce in the second half of games as well as it does in the first, this team would have something.