Yeah that golden era is over. And it’s an ebb and flow thing, prior to the QB era you had the RB era. I currently feel this is a WR era.
Phillip Rivers, Russel Wilson, Jay Cutler and Matt Ryan were in that era too.
Defenses are also playing more 2 high to combat. I think that’s the reason Payton is struggling offensively. It’s a system that wants to throw the ball down field but defenses aren’t allowing it, and yet it’s also an offense that would rather pass to set up the run than run to set up pass. I’m sure it’s very frustrating for him
A frustrated Payton is a pass happy Payton
The best offenses in the league right now can run the ball or threaten run via formation