In a highly emotional return to New Orleans, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton made a triumphant comeback to the Superdome, leading his team to a convincing 33-10 victory over the reeling New Orleans Saints in a Week 7 Thursday Night Football showdown. Payton, who spent over 15 seasons as the head coach of the Saints, arrived at the Superdome six hours before kickoff to ease into the atmosphere and reminisce on the place where he built much of his coaching legacy.
The game itself was a testament to Payton’s preparation and the Broncos’ resilience, as Denver outperformed a struggling New Orleans squad both on offense and defense. The Broncos’ running back Javonte Williams played a pivotal role, rushing for two touchdowns, while Denver’s defense was instrumental in securing the win. Linebacker Cody Barton had a standout night, returning a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown, helping to put the game out of reach for the Saints.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix managed a balanced performance, passing for 164 yards and adding another 75 yards on the ground. His dual-threat ability helped keep the Saints’ defense off-balance throughout the game, contributing to Denver’s total of 389 offensive yards compared to New Orleans’ 271. With the win, the Broncos improved to 4-3, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.
The Saints, on the other hand, faced a multitude of challenges. Missing veteran quarterback Derek Carr for the second consecutive game due to an oblique injury, New Orleans turned to rookie Spencer Rattler. In just his second NFL start, Rattler struggled to find his rhythm against a stout Denver defense that ranked fourth in the league in yards allowed. Rattler completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards, rushed for 34 yards, and lost two fumbles. The Broncos’ relentless pressure resulted in Rattler being sacked six times, with linebacker Nik Bonitto recording a sack for the fifth consecutive game.
In addition to Rattler’s challenges, the Saints’ offense was hampered by injuries to key playmakers. New Orleans was without top receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), with Shaheed being placed on injured reserve earlier that day. The absence of tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) and starting offensive linemen Erik McCoy (groin) and Cesar Ruiz (knee) further depleted the unit, making it difficult for the Saints to generate any sustained offensive momentum.
Despite the adversity, Rattler showed moments of resilience before being shaken up late in the game following his second fumble, which Barton returned for a touchdown. Rookie backup Jake Haener entered the game in Rattler’s place, connecting with Cedric Wilson for New Orleans’ only touchdown of the night.
Payton’s return to New Orleans may have been emotionally charged, but his focus on executing the game plan paid off. “It meant a lot,” Payton shared after the game, reflecting on the opportunity to return to the Superdome where he built a legacy. He credited his team for maintaining composure and executing when it mattered most.
The win for the Broncos keeps them in the mix in the AFC, while the Saints (2-5) now face their fifth straight loss, leaving them in a tough position as the season nears its midpoint. With mounting injuries and uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Saints will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season. Meanwhile, Payton and the Broncos look to carry the momentum of this emotional victory into their upcoming matchups.