In a game that felt more like a preseason matchup, Sean Payton made his return to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, where he had coached from 2006 to 2021, and left with a resounding blowout victory. As the fourth quarter rolled around, the once-packed stadium had emptied out, with the remaining Saints fans booing their own team.
The Broncos, under Payton’s guidance, were relentless in their pursuit of victory, capitalizing on the Saints’ numerous injuries. The final scoreline of 33-10 in favor of Denver was a clear reflection of their dominance on the field.
The Saints, who have now been outscored 60-10 in the past six quarters, struggled from the outset due to the absence of key players such as quarterback Derek Carr, center Erik McCoy, tight end Taysom Hill, and several others. The loss of guard Nick Saldiveri, and cornerbacks Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore to injury only compounded their woes.
Denver’s offensive onslaught saw them outgain the Saints 389 to 271, with a remarkable 225 rushing yards. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 164 yards and rushing for 64 more. Running back Javonte Williams ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Courtland Sutton surprisingly did not receive a single target.
On the defensive side, Broncos linebacker Cody Barton made a statement with a 52-yard fumble return for a touchdown, while Nik Bonitto was relentless in his pursuit of Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, sacking him six times throughout the game. Rattler, who lost two fumbles and completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards, was eventually replaced by Jake Haener in the fourth quarter, who threw a late touchdown to Cedrick Wilson.
The Broncos’ dominant performance was further highlighted by their defensive prowess, with Bonitto’s sack streak becoming the first of its kind in Denver since Von Miller in 2018. The Saints, on the other hand, were left reeling from the onslaught as they continue to struggle with injuries and inconsistent performances.
In a game that showcased the stark contrast between the two teams, the Broncos emerged victorious, leaving the Saints and their fans with much to ponder as they look to bounce back from this demoralizing defeat.
