Saints Lose to Lions: The Good, Bad, and UNFORGIVABLE
By Bob Rose
Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Detroit Lions during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
THE BAD: SAINTS QB DREW BREES HAS HIS WORST GAME OF THE 2016 SEASON
It’s not often that we find a reason to be critical of the Saints’ future Hall of Famer; and he still did manage to throw for 326 yards.
However, Brees just seemed “off target” all afternoon, and he threw three interceptions in the game while pressing and trying to generate big plays.
Despite completing 31 out of his 44 attempts, almost all of his completions were “checkdowns” to his backs and tight ends; and his throws were not putting the receivers in position to make plays.
To be fair, he was under heavy pressure all game (more on that later), and his talented receivers were again shut down.
Brees’ NFL record of 60 straight home games with a touchdown pass ended — and not since 2009 did not a single one of #9’s passes find the end zone.
The Lions held Brees to a 63.3 passer efficiency rating, easily his lowest of the year in what was certainly his worst performance of an otherwise brilliant season.
Brees was merely “ordinary” — and for an offense that critically relies on the talents of their warrior quarterback, “ordinary” will often lead to a 13 point outing; right alongside a terrible loss to go with it.