Saints focus on business ahead of Thursday night game against Denver, Sean Payton [Video]

Of course, fond memories will be recalled.

There’s no level of pretending that can ignore the fact that Sean Payton will be on the opposite sideline Thursday night when the New Orleans Saints (2-4) face Denver (3-3) in the Caesars Superdome, coaching the Broncos for his second season after leading the Saints from 2006-21 and becoming the all-time leader in coaching victories for the franchise, as well as leading it to a win in Super Bowl XLIV.

But frankly, this is no time for nostalgia for the Saints.

The Saints have lost four straight games after winning their first two, with Sunday’s 51-27 loss to Tampa Bay possibly still ringing in some ears. Their eyes are on something more significant than the face of the team’s former coach, who accumulated 161 victories overall, including playoffs.

“I think Sean is obviously a Hall of Fame coach, he’s a great coach,” said tight end Juwan Johnson, who joined the Saints …