New Orleans Saints: Season Recap – Part 2 Grading the Offense

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) drops back to pass in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 38-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

There is only one name here–Drew Brees. Brees is the ultimate competitor, and perhaps the MOST UNDERRATED “all-time great” in the history of professional sports. While the lack of national notoriety infuriates many Saints fans, I would merely suggest that we enjoy the exploits of number 9 as long as we can before he decides to walk into the sunset.

Brees finished 2016 with his fifth 5,000yard passing season (5,208), 37 touchdowns and an incredible 70% completion percentage. Seeing the field as well as he ever has, the play of the soon to be 38yr old veteran ridiculed the so-called “experts” who projected the decline of the former Purdue great.

Brees finished the 2016 with his fifth 5,000yard passing season (5,208), 37 touchdowns and an incredible 70% completion percentage.

Look for the Saints to perhaps spend a mid-round draft pick on a developmental project to hopefully learn behind one of the best to ever play the game.  Even superheroes are not perfect all the time, however; and Brees is certainly no different.

Late season contests at home against Detroit and at Tampa saw Brees throw costly interceptions which contributed mightily to playoff-costing losses, and an early season contest at San Diego–where Brees began his career–Brees appeared to be a bit “off” of his normal accuracy.

Nevertheless, the New Orleans Saints will continue to be reliant on Drew Brees as long as he is near the height of his powers.