NEW ORLEANS -- With the emotions of a return to a city he coached in for 16 years, on a night the New Orleans Saints had set aside to celebrate their all-time quarterback in Drew Brees, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton knew he would need more than a moment to take it all in.
"I'm glad I was here early, like early early, six hours before the game early,'' Payton said. "Just had plenty of time to grab some coffee. ... That part of it, coming back here, was special.''
Payton, now in his second season with the Broncos, returned to the Superdome as an opposing head coach for the first time Thursday night, ventured into the stadium's visitors locker room for the first time and then watched his current team put in an elite defensive performance in a workmanlike 33-10 victory over the Saints.