As much as the Denver Broncos game against the New Orleans Saints was downplayed, deep down, the boys in orange and blue were really gunning for a win.

This game would be Sean Payton’s first time back in New Orleans. Payton, who coached the Saints for 16 seasons, downplayed the importance of the matchup and simply saw it as just another game. The Broncos would end up embarrassing the Saints, 33-10.

“It probably couldn’t have gone any better, to be honest,” Broncos tight end Adam Trautman said. “He talked about ‘next game,’ but obviously everyone knew that it meant a little something to him and we wanted to win it because it is the next game but also knew how special it was to him. There are 22 guys here from New Orleans. So, just doing it for everyone (was special).”

Following the big win, Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner gave Payton a game ball. Now that the Broncos had won, Payton revealed just how much it meant to him to beat his former team.

“It meant a lot,” said Payton. “There were a lot of moments here. You get to see a lot of old players that were here and to be with this team and this ownership group. It’s the reason that you miss it. The one year out. You miss relationships and making memories.”

Broncos having fun playing winning football

With a rookie quarterback at the helm, not many people predicted the Broncos to do much damage during the 2024 season. However, the Broncos have won four of their last five games, and currently have a 4-3 record.

One of the biggest talking points has been the dominance of the Broncos defense. Simply put, the Broncos pass rush has been devouring opposing quarterbacks. The Broncos lead the league in total sacks on the season with 28.

“Being on this defense is fun,” linebacker Cody Barton said. “It’s aggressive. Everyone has a chance to eat. Today, I feel like it was kind of my day. Some of those bigger splash plays came my way. If this game were tomorrow, you don’t know who it is going to be. That’s kind of how this defense is. It’s a lot of fun just running around.”

The Broncos’ defense put on a masterclass against the Saints. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was under siege all night as the Broncos’ pass rush would sack him five times.

“The group is awesome,” said defensive end Zach Allen. “The cool thing too is it’s not like, ‘Oh, I’m in it for me. I’m in it for me.’ We genuinely want to see everyone get it. We’ve got a really special group, and really, it’s a race to the quarterback.”