If there was one player that stood out to Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton in the 30-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals, it may have been Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. McBride has been considered one of the best tight ends in the game right now, even before the season. McBride was named a member of the vaunted 99 Club in the Madden 27 video game earlier this year.

Before of the Broncos' matchup with the Cardinals, Payton gave words of warning about McBride and his ability to change a game to the Denver media.

"Clearly he reminds me a lot of [Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock] Bowers, these unique skill set tight ends that can get matched up on safeties or even corners," Payton said last Wednesday. "He has really good feel, really good transition, and they’re doing a really good job of moving him around. When you just look at the hit numbers, [No.] 85 [McBride], [No.] 14 [wide receiver Michael Wilson]. When you look at the targets, those two both are combining for a lot.”

As it turned out, Payton's words turned out to be prophetic. McBride, a Colorado native through his years at Colorado State University, caught 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown, while Wilson caught four passes for 55 yards. Both led the Cardinals in receptions and yards.

After the game, Payton caught up with McBride, showing serious respect for his opponent. The Denver media noticed the postgame moment, and shared it on social media.

Although Payton expressed his admiration for McBride, he'll have to wait his turn if he wants to pair up with him. McBride is in the second year of a four-year contract extension given him by the Cardinals. He is next eligible for free agency in 2030, per OverTheCap. Now, the NFL trade deadline is coming up, so anything can happen.

McBride will continue to terrorize defenses across the NFL, while Payton and Co. look to do the same. Both look to be on an upward trajectory.