Sean Payton Sends 5-Word Message to Saints QB in Postgame Handshake

Sean Payton's first game back in the Caesars Superdome since stepping down as the New Orleans Saints head coach in 2022 was a memorable one for him. Though, not so much for his former club.

Payton and the Denver Broncos marched into New Orleans on Thursday night and left with a 33-10 victory, improving their record to 4-3 on the season.

After the final whistle, the 60-year-old Payton met up for a handshake with current Saints head coach Dennis Allen, his former defensive coordinator, before moving on to share an embrace with New Orleans rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Payton pulled aside the 2024 fifth-round draft pick, who drew his second straight start in place of the injured Derek Carr and delivered a heartfelt five-word message.

"You've got some moxie, man," Payton said to Rattler on the field.

Rattler, 24, finished the game with 172 yards on 25-of-35 passing while adding 34 rushing yards. He was sacked six times by the Broncos' defense and was held out for his team's final drive with the game already well out of hand.

While the Broncos (and the 31 other NFL teams) had multiple opportunities to select the former Oklahoma and South Carolina signal-caller, Denver elected to put their future in the hands of fellow rookie quarterback Bo Nix, with the No. 12 overall pick.

Next up, the Broncos will have 10 days to rest up before their Week 8 home matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

The Saints, losers of five straight after starting 2-0, will travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers next Sunday before also playing the Panthers a week later.

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