5 Reasons Why the National Media Doesn’t Consider Drew Brees Elite

Oct 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) and causes a fumble during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#3. Drew Brees Has Been Sacked Too Much

Drew Brees has never had prototypical NFL quarterback size. He’s listed as 6-feet even — which is probably a generous measurement.

He’s always compensated by dropping back further in the pocket than most quarterbacks, standing on his tip toes and craning his neck, and of course, his tremendous accuracy.

However, Drew Brees can’t make any of these adjustments when he is being harassed in the pocket and getting repeatedly sacked.

“the best way to beat Brees is to put pressure on him, especially up the middle”

Opposing defensive coordinators have often said, the best way to beat Brees is to put pressure on him, especially up the middle.

While pressure affects all quarterbacks, it hurts Brees more than most because of his shorter stature.

Last season, the struggles of Jahri Evans and Tim Lelito were well documented. Terron Armstead was forced to play through a knee injury and Zach Strief regressed visibly.

The result was that Drew Brees was sacked 32 times, a number which would have been much higher if not for the awareness of Brees.

Dec 21, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons strong safety Kemal Ishmael (36) and defensive end Jonathan Babineaux (95) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

When the Saints and Drew Brees were at their best, they relied on a dominant offensive line that allowed the Saints to dominant in the run game as well as allowing Drew Brees the time to throw.

If Drew Brees is going to return to “elite” status, his offensive line is going to need to be elite as well.

Yet, Drew Brees is not blameless in why he isn’t viewed with the same respect he used to be…

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