Nevermind, that was just Evan Engram.

The tight end was the most celebrated free agent signing this offseason, guaranteed $16.5 million. He was going to make the position a weapon in the Broncos’ passing game for the first time since the salad days of Julius Thomas. He was going to open the middle of the field for Nix, providing easy completions.

He was going to play the role of “The Joker,” creating mismatches in space against linebackers and safeties. That was the plan.

A month into the season, he has stats befitting The Penguin.

The talk in training camp, my voice among them, was that he would be the Broncos’ second-best weapon behind Courtland Sutton. The reality has clobbered fantasy league owners over the head. Through three games, Engram has been injured (calf and back) and ineffective, catching eight passes for 62 yards. That leaves him on pace for 34 catches for 264 yards. 

What gives? Was the hype misplaced? Will Payton look to get him into a rhythm early against the Eagles since he has only caught one pass in the first quarter this season?

“I think a lot of it is the script. There are times where you definitely look to involve him. But we don’t come off a game like last week and then look at who got touches. We’re not playing the fantasy game. We’re trying to win,” Payton said Thursday.

“And sometimes, I can recall over the years big wins against tough teams and maybe a player like (Jimmy) Graham or (Michael) Thomas didn’t (get many touches). It is not intentional. These guys are going to cloud Courtland and put their best corner on him at times, so some of that is how that game unfolds.”

If his answer makes you nervous, you are not alone. Payton sounds like he is talking about a role player. And frankly, that is how Engram has been used, playing 40% of the snaps. That represents his lowest participation ever by a wide margin. His previous low was 67% in 2018.

The Broncos cannot upset the defending champion Eagles without Engram making an impact. Maybe it happens throughout the game, however unlikely. Perhaps it happens on a touchdown drive. Or on a single play to set up a teeth-clenched field goal.

Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles play a fair amount of zone, creating room for tight ends to work. They have caught 14 passes for 97 yards in four games. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce had receptions of 23, 18 and 16 yards in Week 2.

Want the Broncos to deliver a signature win for Payton as the Denver coach? Engram needs numbers like that.

For now, Engram appears to be a victim of the current priorities of the system. Payton is not exactly sure where he fits.

Engram is really a slot receiver camouflaged as a tight end. He works best when he flexes out. As it stands, the Broncos are hellbent on establishing the run — not a bad thing — and Adam Trautman is considered a better blocker than Engram. Trautman has logged 53 percent of the snaps, a number that could increase Sunday with Nate Adkins working his way through concussion protocol.

Engram has done plenty off the field, earning respect with his work ethic, putting the team first. This should be applauded. But more is needed. The Broncos’ offense is not reaching its potential if Engram is a platoon player.

Here is the problem. In limited snaps, the Broncos have been intentional in how they have employed him. He has been targeted 13 times, including seven against the Bengals.

On almost every occasion, he was the primary read. That should be a good thing. But, it is not.

Engram is not playing enough on run plays, which is a great disguise for any tight end. His presence has become a tell, not unlike the final season in Denver for Phillip Lindsay.

Engram must gain the coaches’ trust as a blocker. He logged eight run-blocking snaps on Monday, compared to 29 for Trautman, according to Pro Football Focus.

Engram remains patient. He is a great teammate and seems way more understanding of his role than the rest of us.

“It was just great to be out there. My body was feeling really well. Got into a flow of the game. And, yeah, just something to really build off of. I just want to continue to be a good target for Bo,” Engram said after the last game. “Whatever I’m asked to do in the run game, I just want to help the team win. I think tonight¶¶Òőap a good night to build off of.”

Is Engram playing enough? No. Anyone can see his limited duty will hold him back in the passing attack. This is not all the fault of Payton. Or his script.

There is also a chemistry issue. And Engram has to create that, even if it felt cooked into his contract when he signed.

Watching his snaps, it is clear he is not a safety net for Nix. Until that changes, he is operating on a narrow road, only delivering receptions on plays called for him.

But he is not panicking or grousing. He is smiling.

“The ‘Joker’ thing is – I’m just a football player at the end of the day. And, the coaches have a plan for me. I think they’re just doing a good job of calling my plays,” Engram said. “And the time will come that they’re going to hit.”

That should ease the concerns of ¶¶Òőapountry. But it won’t until he has a few chunk plays. They were told to buy into one thing. And right now, the joke is on them.

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Keeler: Pretty sure he will. Harvey’s the option with younger legs, less mileage, faster acceleration off the snap and more of a workhorse build. The burst is real. The cuts are clean. But No. 37’s tendency to bounce outside could get problematic. That was one of the knocks on Harvey coming out of UCF, and it popped up again at Santa Clara. RJ could beat 85-90% of Power 4 college linebackers to the “D” gap, turn on a dime and zoom to daylight. That daylight is fleeting against NFL defenders, especially ones that can close. Harvey’s bouncing might turn into a nice run of explosion plays. It might also lead to some second- and third-down distances that Payton’s going to loathe.

Renck: Payton has said it will be obvious to everyone how the depth chart will fall based on practices and exhibitions. What the 49ers game screamed is that the coach is trying to accelerate Harvey’s learning curve. He was featured on outside run plays and showed the ability to turn the corner. He will learn that he must put his foot in the ground, and get north and south through the middle of the line more often. Harvey, 24, received seven carries. Dobbins, 26, got none. My guess is that Dobbins will be the feature back in either Thursday’s joint practice against the Cardinals or on Saturday night. If not, then it will be a clear sign that Dobbins is being typecast as a third-down back.

Keeler: True enough. But when something works, why fight it? Per ProFootballReference.com, Dobbins has averaged more yards per rush on third down (7.2) and more yards per catch on third down (6.5) than he has on first down and second down. That might not scream “Samaje Perine.” But it’s a safer bet on a critical conversion than a rookie who’s still learning on the job. Harvey has the toolbox to be whatever you want him to be. Me? I want a veteran as third-down security to start the season.

Renck: Dobbins has a history of being deadly in September, averaging 5.72 yards. Payton knows a fast start is the fast track to a division title. So, I am not selling stock on Dobbins. The Broncos ranked 25th in yards after contact last season, spoiling the work of a Broncos’ offensive line that was first in run block win rate. Dobbins can bring physicality early, before ceding carries to Harvey as the season progresses. It conjures memories of Payton’s first season in New Orleans in 2006 when Deuce McAllister ran for 1,057 yards on 244 carries and rookie Reggie Bush added 565 on 155. 

Keeler: The question is: If all other things are equal, who’s going to be Payton’s Deuce and who’s going to be his Bush? My money’s on true 1A/1B time-share that’s going to infuriate a lot of fantasy football wonks early on while Sunshine Sean rides the hot hand. I’d still wager on Harvey — if he’s healthy — getting the bulk of the work down the stretch. And on first down.

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The Broncos haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher in the 2020s. Do you think that’ll change this year?

— Mike, Denver

Hey Mike, thanks for writing in and getting us going this week. Good question, and from this stage at the outset of training camp, it¶¶Òőap pretty difficult to guess.

While the Broncos do have a 1,000-yard rusher drought, there’s not a ton of difference between Phillip Lindsay’s 1,011 in 2019 and Melvin Gordon’s 986 in 2020.

Still, it¶¶Òőap a symbolic mark.

Push comes to shove, at the moment I’d say the streak does not end this fall. But for the first time in at least a couple of years, that won’t be because of a lack of punch at the position.

RELATED: Broncos training camp primer: Position battles, storylines, numbers and subplots as Year 3 under Sean Payton begins

There just figures to be a pretty good split in workload between J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, and at least three others — Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and Tyler Badie — will be trying to carve out roles, too. Then you factor in Dobbins’ injury history and the consideration that even if he begins the season as the lead guy, he may or may not be by season’s end.

Here’s what I do think, though: Both Dobbins and Harvey have a chance to have really good seasons, particularly when you add up a combination of rushing yards and receiving yards.

If Harvey’s got 700 rushing yards but almost equal yards receiving on, let¶¶Òőap say, 60 catches, that¶¶Òőap a darn good rookie season. If Dobbins ends up with 850 and 600, that¶¶Òőap a really good year.

Interesting, Denver’s rushing production from running backs specifically has been remarkably consistent the two years so far under coach Sean Payton.

They combined for 1,422 yards on 346 carries in 2023 and 1,415 yards on 343 carries last fall, both of which work out to 4.1 yards per carry. The three previous seasons looked like this:

2022: 1,540 on 367 carries (4.2)

2021: 1,863 on 413 (4.5)

2020: 1,669 on 372 (4.5)

Regardless of the 1,000-yard rusher conversation, it’ll be a surprise if the Broncos aren’t closer to the 4.5 range than where they’ve been the past three years. They’ve got an overhauled running back room and an offensive line that ranked as the league’s best run-blocking unit by some metrics last year.

Parker, there is a lot of hype and expectation for the Broncos this preseason. However, it may very well be mostly in Denver, as many of the other experts may not be buying in. Many rate the Broncos behind the Chargers in their division and as a more likely candidate for possibly replacing Kansas City as the best in the AFC West. What are your thoughts?

— Jon, Edwards

Yeah, I don’t think it¶¶Òőap just in Denver, Jon. Many of the national types are pretty bullish on the Broncos, too. You see the team peppered all over lists of teams in contention, playoff projections, Super Bowl dark horses and all of that. ESPN just had Denver ranked as the No. 6 roster in football. Last summer, they had the Broncos ranked No. 31. That¶¶Òőap a massive year-over-year jump. That¶¶Òőap also not to pick on ESPN. Certain beat reporters, including the one looking back at me in the mirror, had Denver pegged for six wins last year. I said a year ago that the way I’d end up very wrong on that was if Bo Nix played well in his rookie year and that¶¶Òőap exactly what happened. But the Broncos also got terrific production up and down the roster, saw their first two free-agent classes under Payton pay off and benefited from development among many young players.

That sets the stage for high expectations this year. But you’re exactly right about the division. I’ve said this several times and believe it: The Broncos could be demonstrably better as a football team this year and end up 10-7 and finish third in the division. It¶¶Òőap a tough sled.

Not only is Kansas City the favorite until proven otherwise, but the Chargers should be really good. And Las Vegas will be picked to finish last nearly universally, but the Raiders had a nice offseason and nailed down some core competencies with the hire of Pete Carroll, the trade for Geno Smith and the completion of the Maxx Crosby extension. They won’t be a pushover, particularly with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty as a couple of young offensive cornerstones to build upon.

Today, I’ll say the Chargers are the best bet to knock off Kansas City, but it¶¶Òőap essentially a coin flip with the Broncos. Tie goes to the team that swept the season series a year ago.

What have you observed about how travel affects the team? Sleeping, eating, changing routines — do the Broncos use a chartered plane? How about the equipment guys, video guys, cafeteria/food guys? How do they prepare and function when the Broncos play away from Denver?

— David Brown, Silverthorne

Hey David, great question. It¶¶Òőap always a little hard to tell week by week how travel impacts a team. When the Broncos got 70 hung on them in Miami in 2023, was that impacted at all by the fact that they were traveling all the way to South Florida? Or was it just a historically bad day at the office? And what of the fact that they spent extra time in Buffalo before a Monday Night game later that same season and won? Did the extended stay on Lake Erie help them? Was the preceding bye week more beneficial? Or do we remember it mostly because Wil Lutz got a do-over on the game-winning field goal and now know drama was brewing between the club and Russell Wilson?

What we do know is Payton likes traveling early when the team goes to the Eastern time zone. They’ll usually leave Friday evening rather than Saturday afternoon to get the extra adjustment time. Like all NFL teams, they do charter.

The Broncos take a lot of steps to make the road as much like home as possible. They bring their chef and some nutrition people along on every road trip and those folks typically work in conjunction with the hotel kitchen wherever the team is staying. When the Broncos went to West Virginia last year, they brought along a lot of their own food, from rice to sauces and spices to even their own honey.

That¶¶Òőap pretty much the approach in every facet. You want your players and coaches to be able to watch film like they’re at home, eat like they’re at home and do as much as similarly as possible.

What are the games you’re looking forward to covering most this year, Parker? I’m sure that London one has to be near the top of your list.

— Tom, Parker

Hey Tom, thanks for writing in. Yeah, the London trip is a circle-the-calendar event. Plus, even though the Broncos and Jets have played each of the past six seasons and eight of the past nine, this matchup has some good storylines. Primarily, of course, Darren Mougey leaving Denver to be New York’s general manager and the club hiring one of Payton’s former players and assistant coaches, Aaron Glenn, as head coach.

There are a bunch of other good ones: At Philadelphia the weekend before London, at Washington in late November, the Packers and Cowboys visiting Denver. Cincinnati at home, too, and those are all before the division matchups.

Night games are rougher on newspaper reporters from a deadline perspective, but it typically means you’re covering a big game — some Thursday night games notwithstanding.

Do you think we’ll ever see Von Miller return to the Broncos?

— Ryan, Aurora

Hey Ryan, hard to see how it happens at this point unless Miller’s available and Denver has a major change in their depth at outside linebacker.

Just a guess, but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see Miller do the one-day thing to retire as a Bronco someday. But he’s got a one-year deal with Washington as of last week and told us earlier this offseason that he wants to play as long as he feels like he can still make an impact.

Nik Bonitto was the breakout star of the defense last year, but Jonathon Cooper has steadily improved over the past two seasons. Do you think he can become a Pro Bowler this year?

— Marshall, Parker

Hey Marshall, there’s no doubt Cooper has been a key cog in what the Broncos do defensively. That¶¶Òőap why he got a four-year extension in the middle of last season that¶¶Òőap worth up to $60 million.

For better or worse, whether he makes a Pro Bowl probably depends on where his sack total ends up. If he’s in the 8-9 range again, probably not. If he has one of those years where he ends up with 12, then it¶¶Òőap definitely possible. That tends to be the nature of individual accolades like that, particularly for edge players and defensive linemen.

No matter where Cooper ends up, though, the 2021 seventh-round pick has turned himself into an indispensable part of the Broncos’ operation and he enters 2025 as a leader on one of the best units in football.

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In 17 years, Sean Payton has had three running backs eclipse 1,000 yards in a season. In two years in Denver, he has had zero running backs reach 100 yards in a game.

Yet, he holds the title of offensive wizard because of how effectively he uses them in the game plan.

“Running backs matter. Sean knows this,” said Phillip Lindsay, a former local prep, college and NFL football star and current co-host on 104.3 The Fan’s afternoon drive with Zac Bye. “You have Bo Nix, you have the tight end (Evan Engram). Now go get your running back. No excuses this year.”

Throw a dart and you will hit a mock draft with the Broncos taking Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins or TreVeyon Henderson. This much is certain: The Broncos will select a running back in the draft.

It is about Payton selecting the right running back, one capable of breaking tackles and turning check-downs into first downs.

Only the ability to the win the AFC West is at stake.

That is why the first two rounds — the Broncos own picks 20 and 51 — remain critical to the Broncos’ future. Payton did the hard part last April, selecting Nix as his franchise quarterback. Now, go get the kid some help.

Remember the playoff game? The Broncos did not lose because of a huge chasm between Nix and Josh Allen. The difference was James Cook vs. Everybody Else.

Ending the Chiefs’ nine-year run of AFC West titles requires an explosive offense. Last year, Denver featured its most prolific attack in a decade. The Broncos were functional, but predictable because of an underachieving and underwhelming — take your pick — ground game.

Lindsay has lived it. He helped rejuvenate the Broncos in his first two seasons, before his role diminished, leaving his presence in the backfield a flashing neon sign that a run was coming.

It is hard to believe for a franchise that turned out Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Reuben Droughns, Tatum Bell and Olandis Gary, but Lindsay is the last Bronco to rush for 1,000 yards.

He accomplished the feat in 2018 and 2019 with a “slow through, fast to” the hole style, aided by fullback Andy Janovich, that left him able to dart between the tackles and hit home runs on the outside.

Lindsay is watching this offseason intently, knowing how important solidifying the running back spot is to the Broncos taking the next step.

“Do I think the running backs did the greatest job last year? No, I do not. But it is also hard to get into a rhythm when you only get eight carries,” Lindsay said. “I don’t think Sean did a great job of scheming it up. There were no pulling guards, pulling tackles, counters, stuff like that. But he did amazing things with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram (in New Orleans). He needs to get back to being creative.”

It starts with landing a back he trusts. Nobody feels like Picasso when turning knobs on an Etch-A-Sketch.  The Broncos run game was awful in multiple ways. While ESPN ranked the offensive line first in run blocking win rate, the Broncos were not efficient. Nix led Denver in rushing six times and tied Javonte Williams with four rushing touchdowns.

“You need a guy that Sean will use on second-and-4, and third-and-1,” Lindsay said. “A guy who can take pressure off Nix.”

Denver ranked 29th in yards after contact, with Williams’ 36th, Jaleel McLaughlin 46th and Audric Estime 51st, according to Fantasy Pros.

That won’t cut it.

Is it too much to ask a starting running back to unleash a stiff arm, run through an arm tackle and make a defender miss? Also, this player must have a diverse skillset. Why? No coordinator leans more heavily on early down passes to running backs than Payton.

Williams received a career-high 70 targets last season, catching 52 passes for 346 yards and 14 first downs. He did not reach the end zone. McLaughlin led the backs with two scores.

That won’t work.

Get the next Kamara, and this offense will produce like there is no tomorrow.  As a receiver, Kamara averaged four touchdowns and 30 first downs per season under Payton.

Lindsay has some names in mind.

“Hampton has a frame like Joe Mixon. He could definitely fit in Denver and be a guy capable of 1,000 yards rushing as a rookie,” Lindsay said. “And there are a couple in later rounds I really like. Kansas’ Devin Neal runs straight downhill, can get the dirty yards. And Kansas State’s DJ Giddens can give you the big play and has the right mentality.”

Finding a starter is a must, and it wouldn’t hurt to pair a rookie with a cheap veteran like J.K. Dobbins after the draft.

The running back is woven into so many layers of this offense. Find the guy, and Bo Nix’s ceiling becomes the top floor of the Empire State Building. Continue with a rotation of mediocrity and it will stunt his development.

In his third season, Payton is one piece away.

He hit the bull’s eye at quarterback. A dynamic runner is the only thing preventing the Broncos from passing the Chiefs next season.

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Trevor Siemian

Tenure: 2015-17, 13-11 record

Highlight: Four-touchdown, 312-yard performance in 2016 win at Cincinnati.

Lowlight: Three-interception game in 2017 at KC, leading to benching.

Paxton Lynch

Tenure: 2016-17, 1-3

Highlight: Threw for 254 yards, nearly beating first-time starter Patrick Mahomes in 2017.

Lowlight: Sobbing as he covered his face in a towel after hurting ankle vs. Raiders in ugly loss.

Brock Osweiler

Tenure: 2017, 0-4

Highlight: 5-2 in ’15. Doesn’t count. In relief at Colts, led the team to its only road win of ’17 season.

Lowlight: Picked twice, sacked three times in a 51-23 loss at Eagles.

Case Keenum

Tenure: 2018, 6-10

Highlight: Rallied Broncos to 24-17 win over Steelers, keeping Denver briefly in playoff race.

Lowlight: Missed open Demaryius Thomas for TD vs. KC at home, changing course of season.

Joe Flacco

Tenure: 2019, 2-6

Highlight: Ripped head coach, OC after loss to Colts: “We are afraid to go for it.”

Lowlight: In same game, he suffered season-ending neck injury, ending his career with Broncos.

Brandon Allen

Tenure: 2019, 1-2

Highlight: Threw two touchdowns with no interceptions in debut win over Browns.

Lowlight: Needed cutoff man to make long throws in wind at Bills. Completed 10 passes in loss.

Drew Lock

Tenure: 2019-21, 8-13

Highlight: Looked like star in 309-yard, three-TD outing at playoff-bound Texans in ’19.

Lowlight: Completed 48% of passes with four INTs in 37-12 loss at Raiders in 2020.

Jeff Driskel

Tenure: 2020, 0-1

Highlight: Staged spirit comeback in relief at Steelers, throwing two touchdowns.

Lowlight: Started the next week at home vs. Bucs, was sacked five times and benched.

Brett Rypien

Tenure: 2020-22, 2-1

Highlight: Let it Ryp in prime time game vs. Jets, delivering two scores in 2020.

Lowlight: Lost to Jets at home in 2022, producing one touchdown drive.

Phillip Lindsay

Tenure: 2020, 0-1

Highlight: Taking the snap in the Wildcat formation as the COVID starter vs. Saints in 2020.

Lowlight: Giving way to Kendall Hinton in the COVID game. Hinton completed one pass in loss.

Teddy Bridgewater

Tenure: 2021, 7-7

Highlight: Delivered 328 yards passing at Jacksonville. Part of a terrific 3-0 start to season.

Lowlight: Did not try to tackle Eagles’ Darius Slay on fumble return for TD. Fans turned on him.

Russell Wilson

Tenure: 2022-23, 11-19

Highlight: Thought he would be benched during bye week. Then rallied Broncos to win at Bills.

Lowlight: Needing FG to win vs. Colts, threw awful INT to Stephon Gilmore in crippling ’22 loss.

Jarrett Stidham

Tenure: 2023, 1-1

Highlight: Won starting debut vs. Chargers by taking care of the ball and only taking two sacks.

Lowlight: Threw pick and was sacked five times in discouraging season-ending loss to Raiders.

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MaGee, healthy cynic

Kiz: Coach Prime and the Buffs are the best story in college football. But the undefeated Air Force Falcons are the best college football team in the state. The Zoomies would ground and pound the Buffs to a pulp. Is there any way we could arrange a showdown at a bowl game? Zoomies 31, Buffs 27. My score. Sticking to it.

I’ve always appreciated how you’re not afraid to point out when something stinks with the Broncos. I rarely read about the horrendous job general manager George Paton has done with this team. Cutting linebacker Randy Gregory and eating the cap hit seems to be in a long line of garbage moves by Paton, dating back to his time with Minnesota and his role in giving quarterback Kirk Cousins a horrific contract. Although Russell Wilson is playing better, I’m certain every Broncos fan would take that trade with Seattle back in a second. Multiple coaches, John Elway and lack of cohesive ownership have been blamed. I’ve rarely seen Paton take any responsibility for the fact the Broncos have the second-longest playoff drought in the AFC. Keep holding people to account, Kiz!

D.J., California dreamer

Kiz: The Broncos seem destined to make a top-10 pick in next spring’s NFL draft, when the team would have to decide if selecting a quarterback to supplant Wilson is the way to go. I would be surprised if Paton is still around to make that decision.

Saw your comment that Jaleel McLaughlin should be the Broncos’ starting running back. Point on! I’ve been a fan since he stood out in preseason on offense and special teams. I also remember a similar player back in the day trying to make the team and showing promise: His name? Terrell Davis.

Kevin, Lenexa, Kan.

Kiz: Easy there, big fella. I love McLaughln, who would be the Broncos’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Phillip Lindsay if given a chance. But he ain’t T.D., who carried Denver to its first NFL championship.

I have a different opinion about the Broncos’ worst loss of this season. Sure the 70-point debacle in Miami was terrible, but we were never really in that game. Letting the Commanders off the mat when we had them nearly buried is the one that galls me!

Randall, Fort Collins

Kiz: C’mon, man. What are you trying to do by introducing logic into our rowdy party of hot takes? But you make a valid point. Had the Broncos held that 21-3 lead against Washington, they would enter a very winnable tilt against the New York Jets with a chance to push their record to 3-2, giving life to their dream of making the playoffs.

And today’s parting shot was shouted at me more than once after I dared to suggest CU’s Shedeur Sanders will be a better NFL quarterback than Caleb Williams of USC.

You need to be drug tested, Kiz.

Gobo, QB expert

Glad you got to watch the game from the crib fam https://t.co/GCCypcAyRq

— Jerry Jeudy⁎ (@jerryjeudy) October 1, 2023

Gabriel: My Twitter fingers aren’t all that salty, but might I point out that the Broncos’ leading receiver Sunday was Jeudy (three catches for 52) and that he had receptions of 18 on Denver’s first touchdown drive and then nine and 25 on the third touchdown drive? All the same, Mims’ lack of not only targets but snaps — he’s been between 15 and 17 offensive snaps all four games — is indeed mystifying at this point. With only 48 offensive snaps Sunday, 17 was at least a season-high 35% usage rate for Mims, but all he does when he’s in the game is create big plays (OK, and occasionally struggle to land a block on the edge, but he’s not the only Denver receiver that applies to). Thinning the room might be the route to getting Mims on the field more, but I’m not sure I’d start with Jeudy, at least during the season.

Kiz: I kid Jeudy, who took issue with comments by former Broncos Rod Smith and Phillip Lindsay on social media after the Denver receiving core got off to a slow start in Chicago. But I do think Jeudy has intriguing NFL skills, despite his occasional lapses in focus that can result in a dropped football. That being said, quarterback Russell Wilson needs the best playmakers in the Denver huddle. Call me crazy, but I think coach Sean Payton needs to reward Mims’ big-play ability with more touches, even if it means a reduction in Jeudy’s role.

As a reciever you should know how this football shxt go but it was good win doe#controlwhatcancontrol https://t.co/er5fDhk1bO

— Jerry Jeudy⁎ (@jerryjeudy) October 1, 2023

Gabriel: Isn’t Courtland Sutton a more natural candidate for a role rebalance? I get that Mims’ and Jeudy’s skill-sets might be more closely aligned, but Sutton isn’t a rugged force or anything. And we’re not talking about a complete change — at least not in this situation. Maybe even just closer to 50-50. But if you wanted to do the Billy Beane from “Moneyball” and say “You can’t start Pena at first. He plays for Detroit now,” I’d wonder about Sutton at the trade deadline even for lesser compensation, then figure out Jeudy this winter. But then again, I just watch games from the press box and, as Jeudy pointed out, Lindsay watches them from the crib now.

Kiz: And speaking of Lindsay, when is rookie free agent Jaleel McLaughlin going to be named this team’s starting running back? OK, maybe that’s a debate for another day. You would think an offensive genius as impressed with himself as Payton could find adequate touches for Courtland Sutton, Jeudy and Mims. On the other hand, I’m not certain Jeudy has ever really felt at home in Denver, and getting a fresh start elsewhere might do his career good. The Broncos need draft picks. What could Jeudy bring Denver in trade?

Gabriel: Three games don’t radically change a player’s trade value, so I’m sure the Broncos won’t back their asking price down from what it was said to be this spring and summer — a top-level pick or a package of picks and players — just because he’s got 11 catches for 158 yards so far this year. At the same time, teams around the league would counter that, by the same logic, a frenzied five-game finish to 2022 doesn’t make Jeudy a true No. 1 receiver. Outside of a trade-deadline bidding war, something in the third-round range seems like the kind of offer that could materialize. Maybe Jeudy and a fourth-rounder gets them back into the second round after they dealt their own selection away to New Orleans to hire Payton in the first place. The Broncos brass clearly didn’t get the price it wanted this offseason. Does Mims’ start change their view on what¶¶Òőap acceptable?

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Look, we’ll be honest. The kids on the Grading The Week staff have got some trust issues with you, Chu Chu Train. And do you blame us? Seattle left a scar.

Family reasons? Fair enough. But even if nothing untoward happened in that hotel, everything during and after the big Avs forward’s sudden departure from the team last spring during a hotly-contested first-round playoff series with the Kraken was so nuclear, and so hush-hush, that it led the public, and reporters, to presume — and to assume — the worst.

Regardless of the how and why, the “what” was clear as day: One of the best players to wear Burgundy and Blue was mysteriously unavailable for the defending Stanley Cup champs in a dog-eat-dog playoff fight.

Which explains why, when we polled the GTW crew this week, even though most said they were willing to forgive Nuke, not one was willing to forget.

The Avs and “trust” — D.

That said, we’ll give credit where it’s due. Val loves kibitzing with the media about as much as Nathan MacKinnon does. But knowing what the No. 1 topic would be, No. 13 addressed it directly, professionally and succinctly, and in a language that isn’t his native one. The music was soft and uncomfortable, but he faced it head-on. And … then … mostly went about trying to change the subject.

Context matters here, too. It wouldn’t hurt so much, Chu, if you weren’t such a big part of a forward unit that never truly replaced Nazem Kadri (free agency) or captain Gabe Landeskog (injury). If the NHL regular season is about your top two lines, then the postseason is about your bottom two, and the Avs had to improvise and hope on the latter front too often for comfort. Consider this, too: In the 47 postseason games in which Nichushkin has appeared with the Burgundy and Blue, the Avs have won 32. In the 16 playoffs games with Colorado in which he registered at least a point, the Avs went on to win 14. In the five games against Seattle without him, Colorado lost three to cap the saddest — and shortest — defense of an Avs Cup-winner in franchise history.

Although bigger eyebrow-raiser from the rostrum over the past few days came from the mouth of MacKinnon himself, who said of his Russian teammate, “(He’s welcomed back) with open arms. We love Val. And I think it’s more than faith. We just know he’s going to be here for us.”

Forgive us for not sharing that faith. Yet.

Radio shakeups ­— C-

So many, too many juries still out on this one, and frankly our heads are still spinning after 104.3 The Fan celebrated the official end of summer by completely revamping most of its lineup. GTW is rooting for Phil Lindsay to nail this, because he’s an even better dude than he is a tailback. That said, consider us muggles stunned at the departure of Darren McKee, an afternoon fixture, and saddened at the breakup of “Stokley and Zach,” which became a mid-day can’t-miss. Lindsay’s got some big shoes to fill, and we’re more than a little curious why a proven tag-team in Brandon Stokley and Zach Bye weren’t paired together on drive-time this time ’round.

Bonneville Denver on Monday announced a new weekday lineup for the sports radio station that will begin Tuesday, which includes major changes to its flagship show, “The Drive.”

Longtime “Drive” host Darren McKee, better known to listeners as DMac, confirmed on X he is no longer with the company with a tweet.

“On to the next thing,” McKee posted Monday morning.

On to the next thing
— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) September 18, 2023

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Zach Bye, who spent years working along side Brandon Stokley on the “Stokley and Josh” show, will now team up with former Denver South, CU Buffs and Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay on “The Drive” from 2-6 p.m.

“I can’t put into words how thrilled I am to team up with Zach and begin my new career in this city that means absolutely everything to me,” Lindsay said in a news release. “I know what it means to be from Denver, I’ve lived here my entire life. This is my city. This is my home. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got, just like I did every time I stepped on the field here.”

Replacing Bye as Stokley’s partner is Josh Dover, who spent the last seven years on air at Kroenke Sports and Entertainment. Their new show, “Stokley and Josh” will air weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I grew up here in Denver listening to The Fan and began my radio career dreaming of becoming a host on the station,” Dover said in a news release. “I’m pinching myself that I’ll have the opportunity to team up with Stoke every day to talk about the teams I love and do it on The Fan.”

Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans’ morning show will now be four hours, running weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.

Orlando Franklin, who had been hosting on weeknights, also announced his departure from the station on X.

“I was just informed that my services will no longer be needed or wanted at @DenverSportsCom,” Orlando Franklin posted. “They canceled our show. Funny how things work. Thanks to all the listeners locally for your support over the years. On to bigger and better.”

I was just informed that my services will no longer be needed or wanted at @DenverSportsCom. They canceled our show. Funny how things work. Thanks to all the listeners locally for your support over the years. On to bigger and better.
— Orlando Franklin (@OFranklin74) September 18, 2023

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Nathaniel Hackett? Not on your stinking life.

So the Grading The Week crew would like to finish the week by tipping a collective cap — er, caps — to Lions coach Dan Campbell and his staff. We salute the Honolulu Blue today for a.) having no fear, on the road, against the defending Super Bowl and AFC West champs; and b.) showing the rest of the division, especially the part of the rest of division with offices in Dove Valley, how to beat the Chiefs.

Jared Goff 2, Patrick Mahomes 0 — A

Now we know what you’re saying, ¶¶Òőapountry. Why the heck can’t we ever get the stars to align like that at Arrowhead?

No Travis Kelce. No Chris Jones. About 36 KC drops. Almost everything that could go wrong for the reigning world champs in their home opener did, and yet they almost still squeaked one out in Week 1.

Chiefs wideout Kedarius Toney was wide open when he let a ball ricochet off his hands with 2:25 left and the hosts trailing by one. Early in the third quarter, Toney had a Patrick Mahomes pass bounce off his shoulder — he was open, then, too — and carom all the way into the hands of a waiting Brian Branch, whose 50-yard pick-6 pulled Detroit to within 14-13.

Yet the tone of the Lions’ 21-20 victory was set in the opening drive, and set by Campbell and his cadre. On fourth-and-2 from its own 17, Campbell sent out the punt team and snapped the ball directly to linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who toughed out 3 yards up the gut for a first down. Ten plays later, Detroit was in the end zone, drawing first blood with a 7-0 lead.

The Broncos haven’t held a 7-0 lead at Arrowhead since October 2018, when Phillip Lindsay found paydirt from a yard out. (Denver found a way to muff that one, too, eventually falling, 30-23.)

Yes, the Lions had help, and Toney’s butterfingers proved to be contagious. But they also followed the script to a ‘T.’ Be aggressive. Score touchdowns in the red zone (three trips, two conversions). Run the ball and shorten the game (34 carries, 118 yards as a team). It would be wonderful of Russell Wilson could be as efficient in Kansas City as Jared Goff — now 2-0 vs. Mahomes lifetime — was on Thursday night. But if this revamped Broncos offensive line proves to be 70% as good as the one the Lions have built, Big Russ might not have to be.

Mines being Mines, Pokes being Pokes — A

Don’t ever change, Blaster. While the nation was busy fawning over Coach Prime and the CU Buffs’ stunning 45-42 win at TCU last weekend, we almost glossed over two other impressive scorelines from the first full week of college football.

Shout-out to Mines and senior quarterback John Matocha who, with a new coach and a new offensive coordinator, threw for 327 yards and two scores in a 31-28 win over Grand Valley (Mich.) State, another NCAA Division II national-title contender.

Wyoming carried the flag for the Mountain West in Laramie, too, rallying from a 17-0 deficit at Memorial Stadium against Texas Tech with 20 straight points in regulation. The Cowboys cinched the win in double overtime on a fourth-down touchdown throw and a gutsy 2-point conversion run by Sam Scott.

The Cowboys won 35-33 against a Red Raiders team that just missed cracking the AP Top 25 heading into Labor Day Weekend. The next time Big 12 commish Brett Yormark starts chirping about expansion again, maybe he’ll give the Pokes a longer look.