Sean Payton Triumphant Return to New Orleans On Thursday Night

Sean Payton Triumphant Return to New Orleans On Thursday NightPhoto byDenver Broncos on X

He coached the New Orleans Saints for 15 seasons from 2006 to 2021. Together with Drew Brees they lifted the Saints to Super Bowl champions. Payton is now with the Denver Broncos busily grooming rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Tonight Sean Payton made his triumphant return to New Orleans on Thursday Night Football. Much to the chagrin of the “Who Dat” crowd the Broncos laid a smack down on the Saints.

The first quarter of the game was ugly with punts for both teams. However, the Broncos did muster a field goal. Whereas Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler tried to throw a pass but the ball was knocked out of his hand and ruled a fumble. The Broncos’ linebacker Cody Barton recovered it and that led to another field goal in the second quarter. After that it became a score fest for the Broncos.

Rattler was being flushed from the pocket and forced to throw on the run. He had some nearly intercepted passes because of it. And the Saints’ receivers were dropping some very catchable passes. At times the receivers and running backs seemed hesitant almost coming to a stop while trying to decide which way to go. But there were some flashes of good plays. On one drive they had strung together some positive plays. But then they killed themselves with penalties: offensive holding, false start, and illegal hands to the face.

Meanwhile the Broncos kept scoring and rookie QB Bo Nix wasn’t afraid to use his legs. He rushed for a few first downs to keep the drives alive. Nix looked more comfortable outside the pocket than in it. He has to learn to set his feet and quickly get the ball out. RB Javonte Williams and Cody Barton were dawgs all game. Broncos were up 26-3 at the half.

Sean Payton Triumphant Return to New Orleans On Thursday Night

To start the 3rd quarter the Saints went three and out in 39 seconds. Their defense continued to miss tackles and the Broncos gouged them in rushing yards. On the Saints final possession backup QB Jake Haener replaced Rattler and led the team to it’s first and only touchdown.

In all fairness, the Saints were without their starting QB Derek Carr and their top two receivers. Chris Olave couldn’t clear the concussion protocol in time to play tonight. Rashid Shaheed was placed on IR after successfully undergoing season-ending meniscus surgery. Taysom Hill was also out with a rib injury. After tonight's performance we wonder if they will start Haener next week against the Chargers instead of Rattler.

Anyway, we guess the best thing about the game for the Saints and their energetic fans was the half time Drew Brees ceremony.

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