Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats

August 5, 2025

On October 17, 2024, the Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats in an exciting Thursday Night Football matchup at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The final score was a decisive 33-10 victory for the Broncos, improving their record to 4-3, while the Saints dropped to 2-5. This game was a showcase of strong defensive play, dominant rushing, and a battle of rookie quarterbacks. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, key performances, and what made this game a memorable one for fans. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this breakdown is designed to be easy to read and understand for all ages.

Table of Contents

Game Overview: Broncos Dominate in New Orleans

The Denver Broncos came into this Week 7 game with a chip on their shoulder, led by head coach Sean Payton, who was returning to New Orleans, where he coached the Saints for 15 years. The game was a homecoming for Payton, and his team delivered a commanding performance. The Broncos’ defense was relentless, generating 14 quick pressures and recording multiple sacks, while their rushing attack racked up 225 yards. The Saints, hampered by injuries to key players like quarterback Derek Carr and receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, struggled to find their rhythm.

Let’s break down the player stats to see who stood out and how the game unfolded.

Team Stats at a Glance

Before we dive into individual performances, here’s a quick look at the team stats to set the stage:

Total Yards: Denver Broncos – 389, New Orleans Saints – 271
Turnovers: Broncos – 1, Saints – 2
First Downs: Broncos – 22, Saints – 15
Possession Time: Broncos – 33:16, Saints – 26:44
Attendance: 70,008 at Caesars Superdome

The Broncos controlled the game with a balanced attack, leaning heavily on their ground game and a stifling defense. The Saints, on the other hand, couldn’t sustain drives and struggled to move the ball consistently.

Passing Stats: Rookie Quarterbacks in the Spotlight

This game featured a matchup of rookie quarterbacks: Bo Nix for the Broncos and Spencer Rattler for the Saints. Neither quarterback lit up the stat sheet with passing yards or touchdowns, but their performances were telling.

Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)

Passing Yards: 164
Completion/Attempts: 16/29
Passer Rating: 79.6
Touchdowns: 0
Interceptions: 0
Rushing Yards: 41 (on 10 carries)

Bo Nix didn’t have a flashy passing day, completing just over half of his passes, but he managed the game well. He avoided turnovers, which was crucial in a game where the Broncos’ defense and running game did the heavy lifting. Nix also showed his mobility, scrambling for 41 yards, including several key runs in the first half that helped sustain drives. His ability to avoid mistakes and contribute with his legs was a big factor in Denver’s win.

Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints)

Passing Yards: 172
Completion/Attempts: 22/35
Passer Rating: 82.1
Touchdowns: 0
Interceptions: 1
Rushing Yards: 16 (on 4 carries)

Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round draft pick starting in place of the injured Derek Carr, had a tough night. He completed 22 of his 35 passes but couldn’t find the end zone. His lone interception hurt the Saints’ chances, and he faced constant pressure from the Broncos’ defense, which disrupted his rhythm. Rattler showed some resilience, but the lack of support from his depleted receiving corps made it a challenging game.

Jake Haener (New Orleans Saints)

Passing Yards: 38
Completion/Attempts: 3/4
Touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 0

Jake Haener came in late in the game for the Saints, replacing Rattler. He made an impact with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr., which accounted for the Saints’ only touchdown of the night. While his time on the field was limited, Haener showed poise in garbage time.

Rushing Stats: Broncos Run Wild

The Broncos’ rushing attack was the story of the game, as they pounded the ball for 225 yards. The Saints’ defense, which had been gashed on the ground the previous week, couldn’t stop Denver’s running backs.

Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos)

Rushing Yards: 88
Carries: 14
Touchdowns: 2
Yards per Carry: 6.3
Receiving Yards: 23 (on 3 receptions)

Javonte Williams was the star of the show for Denver. He powered through massive holes created by the offensive line, scoring two touchdowns and averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. His 111 total yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving) made him a key factor in the Broncos’ dominance. Williams’ physical running style wore down the Saints’ defense, especially in the second half.

Jaleel McLaughlin (Denver Broncos)

Rushing Yards: 76
Carries: 11
Touchdowns: 0
Yards per Carry: 6.9

Jaleel McLaughlin complemented Williams perfectly, ripping off big runs and averaging nearly 7 yards per carry. His speed and elusiveness kept the Saints’ defense on their heels, helping Denver control the clock and the tempo of the game.

Kendre Miller (New Orleans Saints)

Rushing Yards: 36
Carries: 6
Touchdowns: 0
Yards per Carry: 6.0

Kendre Miller was the leading rusher for the Saints, but with only six carries, he didn’t get enough opportunities to make a significant impact. The Saints’ offense leaned more on passing due to the early deficit, limiting Miller’s role.

Receiving Stats: Limited Fireworks in the Air

With both teams focusing on the run and neither quarterback throwing a touchdown pass (except for Haener’s late score), the receiving stats were modest. Still, a few players made their mark.

Troy Franklin (Denver Broncos)

Receiving Yards: 50
Receptions: 5
Touchdowns: 0

Rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin led the Broncos in receiving yards, hauling in five catches for 50 yards. While he didn’t find the end zone, his ability to get open and make contested catches gave Nix a reliable target.

Cedrick Wilson Jr. (New Orleans Saints)

Receiving Yards: 57
Receptions: 6
Touchdowns: 1

Cedrick Wilson Jr. was the Saints’ top receiver, catching six passes for 57 yards, including the team’s only touchdown on a 12-yard pass from Jake Haener. Wilson stepped up in the absence of Olave and Shaheed, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Foster Moreau (New Orleans Saints)

Receiving Yards: 41
Receptions: 2

Tight end Foster Moreau made a couple of nice plays, including a 21-yard reception, but like the rest of the Saints’ offense, he couldn’t generate enough momentum to challenge the Broncos’ defense.

Defensive Stats: Broncos’ Defense Shines

The Denver Broncos’ defense was the backbone of their victory, putting relentless pressure on Spencer Rattler and forcing two turnovers. They entered the game leading the NFL in quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds) and added 14 more in this matchup, tying for the most in a single game that season.

Justin Strnad (Denver Broncos)

Sacks: 1
Solo Tackles: 6

Linebacker Justin Strnad led the Broncos’ defensive effort with a sack and six solo tackles. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield set the tone for Denver’s dominant performance.

Ja’Quan McMillian (Denver Broncos)

Sacks: 1
Notable Play: Sack leading to a fumble recovered for a touchdown by Cody Barton

Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian made a game-changing play in the fourth quarter, sacking Rattler and forcing a fumble that teammate Cody Barton returned for a touchdown. This play sealed the game for Denver and highlighted their defensive prowess. McMillian’s sack made him the 12th Broncos player to record a sack in 2024, showcasing the team’s depth.

Cody Barton (Denver Broncos)

Touchdowns: 1 (fumble recovery)

Linebacker Cody Barton capitalized on McMillian’s sack, scooping up the fumble and returning it for a touchdown. This defensive score put the game out of reach for the Saints.

Special Teams: Kicking It Up a Notch

The Broncos’ special teams also played a role in the victory, with kicker Wil Lutz making field goals to keep Denver ahead early.

Wil Lutz (Denver Broncos)

Field Goals Made/Attempted: 3/4
Longest Field Goal: 46 yards

Wil Lutz was reliable, converting three of his four field goal attempts. His misses were minimal, and his points helped the Broncos maintain a comfortable lead at halftime (16-3).

Key Moments That Defined the Game

Javonte Williams’ Touchdowns: Williams’ two rushing touchdowns in the second half broke the game open, as the Broncos leaned on their ground game to wear down the Saints’ defense.
Defensive Touchdown: Ja’Quan McMillian’s sack and Cody Barton’s fumble return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, turning a competitive scoreline into a rout.
Saints’ Struggles: The Saints’ offense couldn’t find a rhythm, with only one touchdown (a late pass from Haener to Wilson) and two turnovers. Injuries to key players like Carr, Olave, and Shaheed limited their options.
Sean Payton’s Return: The emotional weight of Payton’s return to New Orleans, combined with Drew Brees’ halftime induction into the Saints’ Hall of Fame, added a layer of significance to the game. The Broncos’ dominance was a statement win for Payton against his former team.

Why the Broncos Won

The Broncos’ victory came down to three key factors:

Dominant Rushing Attack: With 225 rushing yards, led by Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver controlled the pace and kept the Saints’ defense on the field.
Stifling Defense: The Broncos’ defense, ranked third in points allowed per game (15.1), was relentless, generating 14 quick pressures and forcing two turnovers.
Error-Free Play from Bo Nix: While not spectacular, Nix avoided costly mistakes and contributed with his legs, allowing the Broncos to play their game plan effectively.

Saints’ Struggles: Injuries and Inconsistency

The Saints’ 2-5 record after this game reflects their challenges in 2024. Injuries to key players like Derek Carr, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed left them shorthanded, and rookie Spencer Rattler wasn’t ready to carry the offense. The defense, which allowed 225 rushing yards, struggled to stop the run for the second straight week, raising concerns about head coach Dennis Allen’s job security. The Saints’ back-to-back home losses by 20+ points (the first time since 2001) underscored their struggles.

Historical Context: Denver Broncos vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats

The Denver Broncos now hold a 9-3 record against the New Orleans Saints in their all-time regular season and postseason matchups. This game added to Denver’s dominance in the series, with the Broncos showcasing their physicality and defensive strength.

Looking Ahead

For the Denver Broncos, this win moved them to 4-3, keeping them in the playoff hunt in the AFC. Their defense, ranked first in yards allowed per play and third in points allowed per game, is among the league’s best. With Sean Payton’s coaching and a developing Bo Nix, the Broncos are building momentum as they head into their next game against the Carolina Panthers.

For the New Orleans Saints, the loss dropped them to 2-5, and their five-game losing streak after a 2-0 start has raised questions about the team’s direction. With injuries piling up and a tough schedule ahead, the Saints face an uphill battle to turn their season around.