Front office shares blame with Russell Wilson for Broncos' underwhelming 2-3 start

The organization whirled the hype machine when it extended Wilson with a five-year contract with $161 million guaranteed, per Spotrac, after acquiring him from the Seattle Seahawks. It signified the Broncos believed Wilson could manifest a Super Bowl.

That idea was nonsensical from the start considering they've missed the playoffs six consecutive seasons since Peyton Manning retired.

Perhaps this impacted Wilson's mindset … and play. The 2-3 Broncos are second-to-last in scoring offense, and Wilson is putting up the worst numbers of his career in the early going.

While struggling to this extent are uncharted territory for Wilson, this isn't new for the Broncos. The struggle to crack the top 20 in scoring offense has haunted Denver for three consecutive seasons.

Giving Wilson so much money placed too much pressure on him, especially since he was being asked to carry a team after suffering a major injury to his right hand last season that required surgery. Now, he's dealing with a lat issue that's reportedly plagued him for weeks.

The Broncos should've seen Wilson perform before making a large financial commitment, devouring cap space, hindering their ability to build a true contender.

Also trading so much for Wilson didn't help. He was a great player in Seattle, but he had offensive weapons he lacks in Denver in wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, both Pro Bowlers.

General manger George Paton should've considered haggling for more so he could build around Wilson and bolster the offense.

"As fingers point, GM George Paton must accept responsibility," longtime Broncos columnist Woody Paige wrote. He's right.

Wilson has not been his best, but he also hasn't gotten many favors from his new front office.