CNN
—

The Denver Broncos gave head coach Sean Payton the perfect gift on his first return to New Orleans, picking up a comfortable 33-10 win on Thursday Night Football.

Payton is a legend in the Big Easy, having coached the Saints for 15 seasons, leading them to the playoffs nine times and the Super Bowl title in 2010.

When he left the Saints in 2021 after coaching the team's most games ever, Payton had a 152-89 record and also held the franchise record for highest winning percentage (63%) and most wins in the team history.

But none of that stood in his team's way as he entered the Superdome with the Broncos and left with a comfortable win in what he described as an “emotional” night.

“It meant a lot to me,” Payton said of receiving the game ball after the win. “Fortunately, and I say this respectfully, it was only two days of preparation and we are here. So not much sleep. It kind of takes your mind off it because there are so many things you have to do.

“My biggest concern was that I just wasn’t getting enough rest. So today I slept for a while and then came here early to go over the game plan again. But it meant a lot to me because there were a lot of moments here and you get the chance to see old players who are here.”

The Broncos had little trouble against the Saints – who were playing with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler while starter Derek Carr was sidelined due to injury – and built a 30-point lead by midway through the fourth quarter.

While Denver's rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggled throughout the game, he made the crucial throws at the right moments, was agile with his legs and rushed 10 times for 75 yards.

An effective running game and excellent kicking performance didn't help either.
Running back Javonte Williams ran 14 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns, while kicker Wil Lutz – also a former Saints player – didn't miss a kick and made all four of his field goals and all three of his extra points.

New Orleans scored its only touchdown of the game with just over a minute to play in what was a lackluster performance. That result came after Rattler left the game with an injury when second-year QB Jake Haener threw a 12-yard pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr.

The large margin of error brought unwanted history to New Orleans; According to NFL Research, it was the first time since 2001 that the team lost two consecutive home games by 20 or more points.

It was a disappointing result on a special night for the Saints.

At halftime, Payton's longtime quarterback with New Orleans, Drew Brees, was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame. Payton said afterwards that it was “nice to see Brees again after so many years together.”