Sean Payton's jab at Falcons fans has sparked a reaction from the Atlanta community.
There's a lot of people dressed up as empty seats today, Payton said with a laugh, while looking around the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during a halftime interview of Denver's preseason Week 1 matchup against Atlanta.
The comment was in response to the sparsely attended game, with much of the lower bowl empty for the first Falcons preseason game. The 71,000-seat stadium was nowhere close to full capacity, with the Broncos leading 24-0 at halftime and holding a 24-7 advantage entering the fourth quarter.
Payton's criticism may have been warranted, but it's clear that it harkened back to his rivalry with the Falcons. As head coach of the New Orleans Saints, he owned a career record of 22-9 against Atlanta, with the Saints often getting the best of the Falcons during their NFC South showdowns.
The rivalry between the Saints and Falcons dates back to Payton's time in New Orleans, where he led the team on multiple occasions against their NFC South foes. Drew Brees and Matt Ryan each led their respective squads on Super Bowl runs during Payton's tenure, with the Saints often coming out on top.
Payton appears to be on track toward earning another victory in Atlanta, albeit in the preseason. The Broncos' performance has set the tone for their upcoming games, and it remains to be seen how they will fare in the regular season.
The Broncos' win has sparked a reaction from the Atlanta community, with many fans taking to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with the team's performance. The game was a lackluster affair, with the Falcons struggling to find their footing against the Broncos' strong defense.
As the regular season approaches, the Falcons will look to regroup and refocus their efforts. They face a tough schedule ahead, with several key matchups against top teams in the NFC. The Broncos, meanwhile, will look to build on their preseason momentum and make a strong push for a playoff spot.
The Falcons-Broncos matchup was just the first of many games for both teams, and it remains to be seen how they will perform in the coming weeks. One thing is certain, however: Payton's jab at Falcons fans has sparked a reaction that will be felt for weeks to come.
Source: Yahoo Sports