Sean Payton was emotional after receiving the game ball in the win over the Saints

The Denver Broncos defeated the New Orleans Saints 33-10 last night on Thursday Night Football. This was a big win for the team who have returned to winning ways and have now won four of their last five games. However, this win was especially important because Sean Payton was returning to New Orleans.

The Saints' long-time head coach played against his former team for the first time since being traded and later officially signed by the Broncos. This wasn't a “revenge game” with bad blood on both sides, but winning this game would have meant more for both teams. Luckily, the Broncos dominated and Payton was able to celebrate the moment and even got a little emotional afterward.

In the locker room after the game, Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner presented Payton with the game ball to celebrate his win against his former team. Payton told reporters during the postgame press conference that the honor meant a lot to him.

“It meant a lot. There were many moments here. You see a lot of old players that were here and will be with this team and this ownership group. That's why you miss it. The one-year end. You miss relationships and creating memories. It's like I told them a few weeks ago. (Patrick) Surtain's interception right in front of our bench. There will be a time when I won't remember his name and will be drinking applesauce out of a straw, but I will remember this piece. The part of being with young people and having the chance to be part of their journey and coach them is a pretty good job. I'm grateful for that. It was kind of emotional.”

Payton talked about the moments, relationships and memories he made in that building, and the relationships he built were evident after the game. He was hugged by longtime Saints defensive end Cam Jordan and longtime running back Alvin Kamara. Both players had a moment with their former head coach and Payton told them he loved them.

This was a big win for the Broncos head coach personally and a big win for the team. They needed a win like this to wash away the bad taste in their mouth after a disappointing performance against the Chargers last Sunday. The Broncos now have a winning record, could move to 5-3 with a win next Sunday against the Panthers and could potentially push for a playoff spot if they can do just that.

The Broncos have won 4 of their last 5 games and have a record of 10-7 in their last 17 games. While we've been critical of the team, the coaching and the way they lose, Payton is changing the culture and bringing the winning story back to Denver. Hopefully this winning streak continues and Payton can build more moments, memories and relationships with the Broncos in the future.