Here are the Denver Gazette's grades for the Broncos after Thursday's 33-10 win over the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome:

attack

Sean Payton spent his Walmart money at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, so Greg Penner and Co. have no problem writing fat checks for Broncos wins. Here's an idea: Can Payton play all of his home games in New Orleans? In Sean Payton's first 13 seasons in New Orleans, the Saints averaged the third-best total offense in the NFL. Then the outbreak on Thursday. Keep floating!

Grade: B

defense

The NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award has been around since 2014. It has a notable history with the Broncos – Wade Phillips won after the Super Bowl 50 season and Vic Fangio received the award before taking the Broncos job. Next? Vance Joseph, whose work as defensive coordinator was nothing short of masterful. Who will be the “DC” here in 2025?

Grade: A

Special teams

As expected, New Orleans couldn't wait for the return of…Wil Lutz? Well, the Broncos' kicker made the most of his home game, going 4-for-4 on field goals with a long of 52 yards. He is now 13 of 14 on field goal attempts and perfect on extra points (9 of 9). The only kick he missed was a 50+ shot against the Jets. Do these Broncos love The Big Easy or what?

Grade: A

Coaching

It's a short list that could have a limited Broncos roster at 4-3 with four road games. And Payton should have the Broncos at 5-3 after the 1-5 Panthers visit Empower Field at Mile High next Sunday. Good for Payton, who balanced some serious emotions with a serious game plan in his eye-catching return to New Orleans. The Sean Show knows what he's doing.

Grade: A