Were Denver's Sean Payton, Russell Wilson overrated all along?

Despite amassing 280 wins and two Super Bowl victories collectively over their decorated careers, the quarterback-coach tandem of Russell Wilson and Sean Payton appears to be one of the worst in the NFL.

Following the Broncos' abysmal 19-8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Denver sits at 1-5, their worst start since 1994. Wilson struggled mightily throughout the game, completing 13-of-22 passes for 95 yards — the third-fewest yards passing in his career — with one touchdown pass and two interceptions. Payton didn't fare much better, making a boneheaded mistake in the second quarter and having his offense finally score its first points with 6:07 left.

Though Thursday's loss seemed to have signaled rock-bottom for the Broncos, things may get worse before they get better. Denver's schedule only gets harder as the season progresses, with games against playoff contenders Buffalo, Kansas City, Detroit, Cleveland and Los Angeles Chargers. 

The Broncos have already begun dismantling this season's failed experiment, trading defensive end Randy Gregory to the 49ers and releasing veteran pass-rusher Frank Clark. If their struggles persist — which they will in all likelihood — a team-wide fire sale may ensue, with wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton and safety Justin Simmons finding new homes. 

The price to acquire and retain Wilson and Payton wasn't cheap, as the Broncos shelled out six premier draft picks — three first-rounders and three second-rounders — and $345 million for the pair. 

With Denver winning just six of their last 23 games, it raises the question: Are Wilson and Payton overrated?

Wilson enjoyed immense success while playing for the Seahawks from 2012-2021, though he was rarely asked to carry the heavy load. Under HC Pete Carroll, Seattle routinely relied upon a stout defense and strong running game.

From 2011-2017, the Seahawks had one of the most fearsome defenses in the "Legion of Boom." Star defensive backs Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor played 81 regular-season games together and combined for 14 Pro Bowls and six first-team All-Pro selections. The trio put on a defensive masterclass in Super Bowl XLVIII, dismantling Denver, 43-8. 

When Wilson's defense wasn't shutting down opponents, his offense was bullying them on the ground. Marshawn Lynch emerged as one of the league's top running backs while with the Seahawks, twice leading the league in rushing touchdowns and being voted to four consecutive Pro Bowls and one All-Pro first-team from 2010-2015.

With such a commanding defense, the Seahawks could freely run the ball and control time of possession, rarely opting to air it out. During Wilson's time in Seattle, the Seahawks ranked 29th in designed pass-play rate.

Payton enjoyed similar success with the Saints alongside quarterback Drew Brees. The pair won 151 games together in New Orleans (counting playoffs), the second-most wins by a quarterback-coach tandem in NFL history. 

The Saints' dominance, however, should largely be attributed to Brees's greatness, not Payton's coaching. The future Hall of Fame quarterback led the league in passing yards in seven seasons, completion percentage in six, passing touchdowns in four and passer rating in two. 

Despite possessing one of the greatest QBs to play the sport, the Payton-coached Saints only appeared in one Super Bowl and boasted a 9-8 playoff record. Now without Brees, the offensive-minded coach is struggling to create any chemistry with Wilson.