Broncos Roll Past Saints with 33-10 Victory, Powered by Defense and Ground Game

The Denver Broncos delivered a commanding performance Thursday night, securing their fourth win of the season by defeating the New Orleans Saints 33-10. Head coach Sean Payton, facing his former team, emphasized the goal before the game: “We’re in the business of collecting wins.” The Broncos did just that, utilizing a familiar winning formula of strong defense, efficient play from rookie quarterback Bo Nix, and a heavy reliance on the run game.

Broncos Lean on Defense and Ground Game

The Broncos (4-3) once again leaned on their defense and rushing attack to take control of the game. They piled up over 200 rushing yards, making it their best start through seven games since 2016 when they went 5-2. Despite a shaky start offensively, Denver overcame early struggles to dominate a Saints team riddled with injuries.

With key players like cornerback Pat Surtain II out, Denver’s defense still stepped up in a big way. They held the Saints to just 180 total yards heading into the fourth quarter, and linebacker Cody Barton added a defensive touchdown to seal the victory. The Broncos will look to keep this momentum going as they return home to face the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 27.

Denver Broncos (4-3): Key Takeaways

Slow Starts Continue: While the Broncos secured the win, their offense continues to struggle early in games. Outside of their Week 3 outburst against the Buccaneers, Denver has had difficulty putting pressure on opposing defenses in the first half. Before Thursday’s game, the Broncos had punted 20 times, lost two fumbles, thrown two interceptions, and recorded 15 three-and-outs in their past five games. Against an injury-plagued Saints defense, they started with a six-play drive, which included two missed throws from Nix and ended in a punt.

Bo Nix’s Performance: The rookie quarterback’s stats were solid, but his mobility continues to be his greatest strength. Nix recorded his second consecutive game with over 61 rushing yards, finishing with 75 yards on the ground. His passing numbers were efficient—completing 13-of-21 passes for 134 yards in the first half without taking any sacks or turning the ball over. However, Nix missed a few big opportunities early due to inconsistent footwork, which could have resulted in even more explosive plays for Denver.

Silver Lining on Defense: Despite the loss of Surtain to a concussion, Denver’s defense showed resilience. After adjusting to his absence last week, the Broncos held the Saints’ offense in check and pressured rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler throughout the game. The defense even contributed to the scoreboard with Barton’s fourth-quarter defensive touchdown, highlighting their ability to disrupt opponents when needed.

Next Game: The Broncos will host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 27, as they aim to continue their winning ways.

New Orleans Saints (2-5): Key Takeaways

For the New Orleans Saints, the struggles continue. Dealing with a long list of injuries and inconsistent performances, the Saints (2-5) have now lost five consecutive games. Despite having members of the 2009 Super Bowl team in attendance for Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame induction, there was little to celebrate as the Saints were blown out for the second straight week.

Injury Woes and No Quick Fixes: The Saints were severely hampered by injuries, with key players like quarterback Derek Carr, tight end Taysom Hill, and multiple offensive linemen sidelined. On Thursday, they were forced to play without Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Nick Saldiveri as well. Despite these challenges, New Orleans could only manage 10 points against the Broncos and has been outscored 60-10 in their last six quarters of play.

Defensive Struggles: Once the backbone of the team, the Saints’ defense has been steadily declining, ranking last in total defense heading into the game. Thursday’s contest further exposed their weaknesses, as they allowed the Broncos to control the tempo with a powerful ground game. Former All-Pro Richard Sherman didn’t hold back at halftime on Prime Video, criticizing the Saints’ defense for lacking the desire to make tackles and plays. “These are good players,” Sherman said. “I don’t understand this.”

Rattler’s Rough Game: Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler had another tough outing, as he continues to adjust to the NFL. Missing key offensive weapons and protection, Rattler made several costly rookie mistakes, including two fumbles—one of which was returned for a touchdown. While he showed flashes of mobility, finishing 25-of-35 for 172 yards, his struggles contributed to the Saints’ stagnant offense. Backup quarterback Jake Haener replaced Rattler late in the game as New Orleans continued to search for answers.

Next Game: The Saints will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 27, following a mini-bye. With injuries piling up and offensive and defensive struggles mounting, New Orleans will need to regroup quickly if they hope to turn their season around.

In a season full of challenges for both teams, the Broncos look to be finding their stride, while the Saints are searching for a way to reverse their downward spiral. Denver’s strong defense and ground game provided the foundation for their latest win, and they’ll aim to keep that formula going as they return home to face Carolina.