Tomasson's scouting report: Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints

The Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Saints at the Superdome:

Offense

The Broncos have gotten off to slow starts on offense in five of their six games but at least often finish strong. After throwing for a meager 27 yards in the first three quarters, Denver quarterback Bo Nix rolled up 189 yards in the fourth quarter in last Sunday’s 23-16 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos hope to help Nix with running back Javonte Williams, who has been up and down this season, looking like he did in Weeks 4 and 5. Spencer Rattler will start at quarterback for the Saints for the second straight game in place of injured Derek Carr. He was uneven in last Sunday’s 51-27 home loss to Tampa Bay. The Saints are hoping to get running back Alvin Kamara on track.

Advantage: Saints

Defense

After a shaky first half against the Chargers, in which they fell behind 20-0, the Broncos’ defense in the second half looked like it has most of this season. They are ranked fourth in the NFL in both total defense and points allowed. Denver will be without star cornerback Pat Surtain II, who is out after suffering a concussion against the Chargers. But the Broncos have 22 sacks this season, with outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper leading the way with 4.5. The Saints are 32nd and last in the NFL in total defense. It didn’t help matters that they fell apart against the Buccaneers, giving up 594 yards. But defensive end Cam Jordan is a future Hall of Famer and cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

Advantage: Broncos

Coaching

Broncos coach Sean Payton returns to New Orleans where he coached the Saints for 15 seasons before stepping down after the 2021 campaign. He led them to a Super Bowl win in the 2009 season and to three NFC championship games, including the first in their history in the 2006 season. Payton is continuing to rebuild the Broncos. They have at least been more ups than downs in their recent winning of three of four games. Dennis Allen replaced Payton as Saints coach after seven seasons as his defensive coordinator but went just 18-22. Throw in three previous years with the Raiders and his NFL head-coaching record is an ugly 26-50. He has sought to instill a sense of urgency this week in the Saints.

Advantage: Broncos

Intangibles

The Saints will have a raucous crowd on their side at the Superdome. While there figures to be applause for Payton before the game, it will be nothing compared to what legendary former quarterback Drew Brees gets at halftime when he is inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame. The Saints have lost five straight games on Thursday but at least don’t have to travel on a short week. The Broncos hope the momentum will continue from the game against the Chargers, when they fell behind 23-0 at the end of the third quarter before reeling off 16 points in the fourth. And while the Superdome will be loud, Payton certainly will be used to it.

Advantage: Saints