NEW ORLEANS — The biggest storyline heading into Thursday night’s game between the Broncos and Saints was head coach Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans.
Payton became one of the most successful head coaches of his generation, thanks in large part to his coaching of the Saints’ offense.
Now in his second season with the Broncos, Payton’s defense is largely responsible for his team’s recent rapid growth.
Head coaches are measured on the success of their entire team, not just the unit they are primarily responsible for. And Payton has shown the ability to lead a team to success in a variety of ways.
The situation with him and the two franchises he leads is an example of how difficult it is to maintain success in the NFL.
Payton, who retired from the Saints after the 2021 season, was at the Caesars Superdome for the first time as head coach as he watched the visiting team’s sideline as the Denver defense held off an injury-riddled New Orleans offense to a 33-10 victory. I watched the game from
The Broncos (4-3) won for the fourth time in five games, averaging just 11 points in those four wins. In their three losses, they have conceded just 26, 13, and 23 points.
Denver didn’t allow a touchdown until less than 90 seconds remained in Thursday’s rout, limiting the Saints to 271 yards of offense, nearly a third of which came after the visitors had taken a 30-point lead. It was something.
It was domination from one side. A disaster for the opponent.
Payton is hopeful that rookie Bo Nix, the No. 1 draft pick, can eventually develop into the offensive leader that Drew Brees coached for 15 seasons. Coach Payton’s teams appeared in the playoffs nine times and won New Orleans’ only Super Bowl. 2009 season.
Meanwhile, his defensive play allowed Payton to be patient against the Knicks.
Against the Saints, the Knicks passed for just 164 yards, but added 75 rushing yards on 10 carries, and Javonte Williams added two rushing touchdowns and 111 yards from scrimmage.
Ironically, Payton’s offensive-minded teams have gotten better primarily because of their defense, but Dennis Allen, who was promoted to replace Payton due to Payton’s success as defensive coordinator, has seen his defense get worse. I’m seeing it.
Currently at 2 wins and 5 losses, Allen’s team has lost five straight.
Four days after the Saints lost 51-27 at home to Tampa Bay, allowing 227 rushing yards (594 total), the Broncos finished with 225 rushing yards.
Denver settled for Will Lutz’ field goals four times, but it didn’t matter as New Orleans’ offense couldn’t gain momentum against the NFL’s fourth-ranked defense.
Rookie Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round draft pick, started in his place for the second straight season. Derek Carr injured He completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards. He will be without his top two wide receivers, Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shahid, who underwent knee surgery on Thursday and will reportedly be sidelined for the rest of the season, and his makeshift offensive line. He was sacked five times and lost two fumbles.
By the way, the result was Payton’s first crack at his former employer, a win against the last of the 32 NFL teams he had never won before.
While his current team is climbing in the AFC standings, his former team is languishing at the bottom of the NFC.
If current trends continue, New Orleans will be looking for a new head coach for the second time in four years, the first being Payton’s 16 years in the role.
By all accounts, Payton is just starting out in Denver.
