Broncos players downplay Sean Payton's return to New Orleans: 'Just another game'

The Denver Broncos are set to take on the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. The TNF showdown will mark coach Sean Payton’s first game against his former team since taking a break from coaching in 2022.

Will the Broncos have some extra motivation to win one for Payton on the coach’s return to New Orleans?

“Um, I think we try to win every one for Coach, you know?” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. “I think every game is equally as important. I think it’s kind of been echoed around the building that it’s not a ‘Coach Payton vs. the Saints,’ you know? It’s us going to go try and win another game and getting to 4-3. That’s ultimately the No. 1 goal that we’re trying aspires to go get right here.”

Denver quarterback Bo Nix described Thursday as “just another game” for the players.

“We understand it, but he hasn’t really made much of it,” Nix said of Payton’s return to Louisiana. “It’s just another game to us. I know he spent a lot of energy and effort for that organization, so I know it means a lot to him. We want to just treat it like another game.

“Attack it and compete just like it’s another game. We know it’s going to be a great environment. There may be some emotions, but we have to play down to earth and just play one play at a time.”

Payton himself has admitted that there will be emotions for him. In addition to facing the team he won a Super Bowl with, Payton will also see retired quarterback Drew Brees being recongized as the newest member of the Saints Hall of Fame. Payton hopes to tune the distractions out on game night to remain focused on the task at end: getting a win.

“I’m sure there will be some emotions at some point,” Payton said, “but more importantly it’s about our team because really we go to stadiums with players that [think], ‘This means something to me. I used to be a Chief, or Charger, or Raider or Eagle.’ To that individual, having spent time there, that matters. I think because of the week and because of the schedule, I haven’t really had a chance [to dwell on it]. I get it, but what’s most important is finding a way to win.”

Thursday’s game will be available to stream on Prime Video.