Some players might play it off like it's just another game when their former head coach comes to town with his new squad. Cam Jordan is not some players.
The New Orleans Saints' outspoken team captain made it clear that when Sean Payton arrives at the Caesars Superdome in Week 7, there'll be a bit extra on the line than just a win and a loss.
"It’s not that I’ve like circled it on the calendar or marked it down that we have to win that game," Jordan said with a smirk, "but it feels like we have to win that game."
Jordan is as familiar with Payton as anyone in the locker room, playing his first decade in the NFL with the same head coach after being picked in the first round of the 2011. But his sentiment is likely going to be a common one across the Saints facility, and likely the fanbase, when the Saints and Broncos meet up on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. Everyone said the right things when Payton went out the door following the 2021 season, spending a year in the analyst chair before getting traded to the Broncos.
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The Saints have scuffled to 7-10 and 9-8 records in the two seasons since. Payton himself has had a bit of a rocky start in Denver, with the team ultimately choosing to cut bait with QB Russell Wilson for what set a new record for dead cap. When he arrives in New Orleans it's possible it'll be with rookie Bo Nix behind center, whom the Broncos picked at No. 12.
However it shakes out, the message will be simple for the Saints, who have seen their own offensive overhaul this offseason.
"Everybody knows who Sean Payton is," Jordan continued. "Can’t let him get that one.”