Broncos Dominate Banged-Up Saints as Javonte Williams Scores Two Touchdowns in Sean Payton’s Return to New Orleans

The Denver Broncos secured a commanding 33-10 victory over the injury-riddled New Orleans Saints on Thursday night, marking a successful return for head coach Sean Payton to his former home. Running back Javonte Williams led the way with two touchdowns, while Denver’s defense overwhelmed a Saints team missing key offensive players.

The win moves Denver to a 4-3 record, while New Orleans drops to 2-5, suffering their fifth consecutive defeat. Quarterback Bo Nix contributed with 164 passing yards and 75 rushing yards as Denver outgained the Saints 389 to 271 yards in a game that was never in doubt.

Saints Struggle Without Carr and Key Offensive Weapons

With Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr sidelined for the second straight game due to an oblique injury, rookie Spencer Rattler took the reins but struggled against a fierce Denver defense. Missing top receivers Chris Olave(concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), along with offensive linemen Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz, the Saints had little firepower.

Rattler managed 172 passing yards and 34 rushing yards, but his inexperience showed. He lost two fumbles, one of which Cody Barton returned for a 52-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. After being shaken up on that play, Rattler was replaced by rookie Jake Haener, who connected with Cedric Wilson for the Saints’ only touchdown of the game.

Dominant Broncos Defense Shines

Denver’s defense, ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed, put immense pressure on Rattler, sacking him six times. Nik Bonitto continued his excellent form, recording a sack for the fifth straight game. Denver’s defensive dominance began early, with Barton’s forced fumble leading to one of four field goals by former Saints kicker Wil Lutz.

The Saints’ defense, meanwhile, failed to generate the game-changing plays needed to swing momentum. Veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu dropped an interception late in the second quarter, allowing the Broncos to add a field goal before halftime to take a 16-3 lead.

Payton’s Triumphant Return

For Sean Payton, this victory marked a successful return to New Orleans, where he had an illustrious tenure as head coach of the Saints. His former team, now led by head coach Dennis Allen, has struggled mightily. The Saints have suffered two 20-point losses at home within the past week, a stark contrast to Payton’s era.

Allen Admits Challenges

Saints coach Dennis Allen acknowledged the difficulties his team is facing, particularly with a wave of injuries. “Injuries play a part, but we’ve got to find a way to play better,” Allen said. “We’re making mistakes we shouldn’t be making, and both coaches and players need to figure it out.”

Despite the string of losses, Allen remains hopeful. “Earlier in the season, we played good football, so I know this team has it in them. Right now, though, we’re not playing that way, and we need to find a way to get back to that form.”

What’s Next?

With five straight defeats, the Saints will look to regroup as they continue to deal with injuries to key players. Meanwhile, the Broncos aim to build on this momentum as they keep their playoff hopes alive in a competitive AFC.

As the NFL season heats up, stay tuned to Sky Sports for the latest updates, match recaps, and live coverage of all the action.