Broncos at Saints: 3 takeaways from Denver's 33-10 win

The Broncos defeated the Saints, 33-10, on Thursday at the Caesars Superdome in Week 7 of the NFL season.

Here are three takeaways from the road win:

No Surtain, no problem

Star CB Pat Surtain missed the game with a concussion. That didn’t bother the Broncos defense with yet another dominating performance. They held New Orleans to three points at halftime. ILB Cody Barton forced a fumble and returned another for a long touchdown. The Saints benched rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler in the fourth quarter unable to establish a rhythm against defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s creative/aggressive scheme. Surtain may return to the lineup next week, but Denver adjusted well in his absence. Defense continues to be a team strength.

Up and running

Is the Saints' defense terrible? Or did the Broncos' rushing game finally turn a corner? It’s hard to say right now, however, the numbers don’t lie. Denver RBs totaled 152 rushing yards behind Javonte Williams (88), Jaleel McLaughlin (35), and Audric Estime (29). Williams scored twice behind one of the stronger offensive line performances in recent memory. It helped that starting RT Mike McGlinchey made his return from injured reserve (knee). QB Bo Nix also contributed 75 yards rushing behind an old-school offensive game plan. It’s a positive sign after Denver struggled to establish the run at times early this season.

Payton returns to New Orleans

Coach Sean Payton told the Amazon Prime TV broadcast pregame about his Thursday morning plans for Broncos-Saints. He said: “Probably five hours before the game. ... An Uber, with a baseball hat on, and get dropped off at a loading dock. Then just kind of sneak into the visiting locker room. Maybe walk out onto the field.” Payton downplayed the emotions leading up to his New Orleans return, where he won a Super Bowl and coached for 15 seasons. You can bet he was all smiles leaving New Orleans with a victory to reach 4-3 on the season. It's another winnable game next week at home against the Panthers.