5 Reasons Why the National Media Doesn’t Consider Drew Brees Elite
Aug 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball sidearm to avoid a sack by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bjoern Werner (92) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
#4. Too Many Bad Decisions, Too Many Interceptions
Last season, Drew Brees posted one of his best seasons in recent memory from a turnover perspective, throwing just 11 interceptions.
However, this still put him solidly in the middle of the pack for quarterbacks, as it was the 17th most in the NFL.
In 2014, Drew Brees threw the 5th most interceptions in the NFL, with 17. In 2012, Drew Brees was tied for first with 19 interceptions.
One reason for the high number of interceptions is that they’re result of the “pressing” nature of the offense. With a defense as bad as the one the Saints have fielded in the past few years, the Saints offense has been dealing with a lot of extra stress and pressure.
Psychologically, it’s not good for an offense when they feel they must score a touchdown every possession to compensate for the defense.
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Additionally, when a team falls behind in games, as the Saints have been prone to do lately, they are forced to become one dimensional and abandon the running game.
The Saints are at their best when they implement a balanced attack and keep opposing defenses guessing.
When the Saints get behind and are forced to throw almost exclusively, defensive lines can pin their ears back and come full-tilt at Brees, which causes problems for the offensive line, and forces Drew Brees to make quick decisions under pressure.
Drew Brees has almost always ranked in the top 15 quarterbacks for interceptions. This isn’t all his fault as the Saints throw more than most teams and they have been solely reliant on the offense for the past few seasons.
Oct 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NNew Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) runs with the ball in front of Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96) in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
However, there’s no doubt these turnovers have contributed to the perception that he has lost his edge.
Don’t believe that interceptions influence opinion?
Consider this: Cam Newton, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson all threw fewer interception last season, which was a good season by Drew Brees’ standards, and all of them are ranked higher than Drew Brees.
Last, but certainly not least, is the main reason Drew Brees is no longer considered a member of the “elite” club — which is……
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