Denver Broncos throttle Saints in Sean Payton return to New Orleans | NFL

Javonte Williams scored two touchdowns and the Denver Broncos triumphed in coach Sean Payton's return to New Orleans, defeating the struggling and struggling Saints 33-10 on Thursday night.

Bo Nix passed for 164 yards and ran for 75 yards for Denver (4-3), which dominated statistically. The Broncos outgained New Orleans by 389 yards to 271 while handing the Saints (2-5) their fifth straight loss.

With Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) missing his second straight game, both teams had rookies under center.

Spencer Rattler made his second straight start for New Orleans and his lack of experience was exacerbated by injuries throughout the offense.

The Saints were missing top receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), with the latter placed on injured reserve earlier in the day. Two starters, center Erik McCoy (groin) and guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), were sidelined. Versatile tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) missed his third straight game.

Rattler was overwhelmed by a Denver defense that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed.

He was 25 of 35 for 172 yards, rushed for 34 yards and lost two fumbles, the second of which was returned 52 yards for a touchdown by Cody Barton in the fourth quarter. Rattler seemed shaken by the play and was replaced by Jake Haener, who along with Cedric Wilson took charge of New Orleans' only touchdown.

Barton forced Rattler's first fumble, which led to one of former Saint Wil Lutz's four field goals.

Rattler was sacked six times, including once by linebacker Nik Bonitto, who was sacked for the fifth straight time.

Meanwhile, New Orleans' defense failed to come up with game-winning plays.

Tryann Mathieu uncharacteristically dropped a bad pass from Nix late in the second quarter that went straight to the veteran defensive back. This allowed the Broncos to end the half with a field goal and a 16-3 lead.

During halftime, record-setting former QB Drew Brees was honored on the field to recognize his induction into the Saints Hall of Fame. Team owner Gayle Benson presented Brees with a blazer and a portrait of the club's best passer with the Lombardi Trophy was unveiled.

Brees was also honored earlier in the day at a luncheon where Payton appeared to congratulate the star player he coached for 14 seasons.

Brees, whose 80,358 career passing yards rank second in NFL history behind only Tom Brady's 89,214, gave New Orleans its only Super Bowl triumph after the 2009 season.

For many of the fans in attendance, the halftime festivities were the highlight of the evening. The Superdome was largely empty in the fourth quarter.