Sean Payton is no stranger to rivalry games. The longtime New Orleans Saints head coach endeared himself to the Who Dat Nation by embracing the pettiness and vitriol and egging on opposing fans, and sometimes running up the score. But he’s their former coach now. It’s a Denver Broncos blue and orange visor sitting on his head these days, not black and gold, after Payton decided he needed a year off from coaching and a change of scenery.
When Payton returns the Caesars Superdome on Thursday he’ll be checking into the visitors locker room for the first time. It’ll be the opposite sideline from which he’s patrolling and barking at referees, too, and he doesn’t expect many words of support to be thrown at his back from the stands.
“It will be unique,” Payton said Monday, via the Athletic’s Nick Kosmider. “Those around us know how challenging a short week is compared to a full week. Certainly, there will be emotions going back there, but that comes up quite a bit in our league with players.”
The Saints are struggling right now after slipping into a four-game losing streak, but Payton has his own problems to deal with. His Broncos missed the playoffs last year and currently sit at 3-3. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns (5). Denver’s offense has the second-worst conversion rate on third downs (25%) in pro football despite trying the sixth-most attempts (80).
And the Saints are encouraging a festive, if not hostile, atmosphere. They’re packing the house by celebrating Drew Brees’ enshrinement at the team Hall of Fame. They’ve declared a blackout and will give away rally towels. They want it to be loud and chaotic when Nix is trying to relay Payton’s long play calls and read the field as he drops back to pass.
“I understand it,” Payton continued, “I don’t think there will be a lot of flowers and fuzzies for yours truly, and I get it.”
We’ll see if it makes a difference. There probably aren’t two opposing coaches who know each other’s playbook more thoroughly than Payton and Dennis Allen, having practiced against each other for years in New Orleans. Allen’s back is against the wall after another 2-4 start and Payton’s vision for the Broncos has come under fire after failing to meet expectations.
Both sides are going to be desperate for a win in prime time, if for no other reason than to prove they don’t need each other. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct. 17. The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.
