Drew Brees

t embarrassingly flat, with three turnovers early, including a horrendous pick over the middle from Drew Brees, who never saw the safety coming. The Niners turned those possessions into points, notching 17 with not even a minute gone by into the second quarter. Brees fought back as you knew he would, finding his big targets Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston on consecutive drives to pull within three at the break. It was hard to say the Niners had the momentum though. I mean, when the other team turns it over four times in a half and you’re only up a field goal? That’s a problem. San Fran’s special teams even got another turnover from Darren Sproles early in the third, but they could only manage to put up a field goal. Eventually that was going to come back to bite them. San Francisco wasn’t even trying to run the ball for the first three quarters, an offensive plan that befuddled me, to say the least. Alex Smith was getting all sorts of pressure from the Saints, who were simply sending more rushers than the Niners had blockers. (Just math, really.)

Continue reading "The Final Drive: 2012 Divisional Round"

If they’re going to win, Jim Harbaugh’s defense will have to contain this next man.

Drew Brees is pretty freaking good. However, he still has the ability to toss an interception or two while trying to get the big play deep. If he can avoid those turnovers against the Niners, he’ll keep his Saints on top. He’ll have a lot of resistance on the front though, as San Fran can get up the field and rush the passer. Definitely keep your eyes on the two Smith’s, Justin and Aldon, who can both get pressure on the outside where the Saints’ line is weakest. Where the Niners are going to have issues defensively is in the secondary, Carlos Rogers has had a great year, but he doesn’t have as much support at corner. That’s not a recipe for success against Brees, who has Robert Meachem, Marques Colston and Devery Henderson. Still, that’s not even the Niners’ biggest problem. They like to keep linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman in the game as much as possible, which is going to create ugly match-ups with Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles. I think the Saints win those battles more often than not.The Odds:

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: 2012 Divisional Saturday"

many opportunities to get turnovers in the second half but completely failed to get any pressure on Drew Brees with their front four. As much as the praise should go to Brees and his receivers for blowing up a crappy defense, I’m going to give major credit to that offensive line for dominating this game from start to finish. They were fantastic, blocking for 167 yards on the ground and giving tremendous protection for Brees on every drop-back. Can’t wait to see them take on the Niners, who have the opposite problem as Detroit.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: 2012 Wildcard Weekend"

for this game? Everyone’s predicting shoot-out, and I can’t argue that prognostication. Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford both threw for over 5,000 yards this season, setting the stage for fireworks Saturday night. Stafford has Calvin Johnson on his side (which is awesome), but not much else. They won’t convert third downs at a high percentage and they won’t be able to run the ball and keep Brees off the field. Their defensive front four is good, but not good enough to make up for the lapses in the secondary, which allowed back-up Matt Flynn to pass for 480 yards and six touchdowns. Now they get

Continue reading "Joe's 2012 Gameday Preview: Wildcard Saturday"

Oh what a let-down that was. In their second game, the Chicago Bears managed to flat-line against the Saints, getting their quarterback Jay-Roughed in the process. Chicago’s offense held serve with the high-powered offense for about a half, and then Sean Payton let loose the entire playbook, taking the Bear defense to school like a game of Madden.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Recap: Saints 30, Bears 13"

way of defense, save for the game-ending stop by the Pack on which Sean Payton took the ball out of Drew Brees’ hands and put it into the gut of rookie Mark Ingram. I bet Payton won’t have similar miscues in their home opener. Facing

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Bears at Saints"

Will Matt Ryan and the Falcons recover from their loss to Green Bay in the playoffs? Can Drew Brees get New Orleans back to the Super Bowl? In Tampa Bay, Josh Freeman is an up-and-coming star at quarterback, but is his supporting cast good enough? After beating out Jimmy Clausen for the starting job, is Cam Newton ready for the NFL spotlight? Your answers start here! Atlanta Falcons

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC South"

thout running backs Chris Ivory or Pierre Thomas, this game could be closer than you’d think. Drew Brees has to avoid the costly turnovers, especially on the road at Qwest Field where you can’t give the crowd a reason to get into it. The Saints have to put multiple touchdowns up early and take the fans out of the equation. To do that they have to go to the air early and often against a weak Seahawk secondary that won’t be able to keep track of Brees’ countless targets (which might include a fresh off of surgery Marques Colston). Someone will be open and Brees has to get them the ball. It’s that simple.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Opening Drive: Wildcard Saturday"

performances, the Saints defense couldn't generate enough turnovers to make up for their offense's. Drew Brees uncharacteristically tossed two picks in the loss. Matt Ryan wasn't spectacular, but he avoided the big mistakes.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

squad that came back to nearly send the game into overtime, but the Champs get to 2-0 on the arm of Drew Brees and the turnover-creating defense. If they lose Reggie Bush for any amount of time, it'll hurt the offense. San Fran isn't out of the NFC West race by any stretch, but this is a game they could have won had they made a few more defensive plays down the stretch. On a positive note, Alex Smith didn't look like crap at times.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

What else do you need to know? They have one of the top three quarterbacks in the league in Drew Brees and a gutsy coach in Sean Payton. Their offensive line doesn't get enough credit, which was so good last season the Saints could afford to trade tackle Jammal Brown to the 'Skins. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush offer the offense two completely different looks out of the backfield. Wide receiver Robert Meachem took a step forward last season catching 45 passes for 722 yards and nine touchdowns. Add his progression to a wide-out corps that already features Devery Henderson, and Marques Colston and Brees won't be lacking for weapons. Oh yeah, and Brees is pretty good.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: NFC South"

On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

Continue reading "Saints take advantage of Manning's ..."

If you miss it, you could miss one of the most explosive Super Bowl match-ups in history. Behind Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, these offenses are always threats to hit the big play. That gives defensive coordinators headaches. Each defense will look to pressure the opposing QB early and often. Whoever best achieves that goal has the best chance to take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44"

ing.

For all Payton's offensive genius, the man that makes the Saints who they are is quarterback Drew Brees. Barely six feet tall, Brees is accurate, unselfish and has no favorite targets. If you're open, he'll find you. Ten different receivers caught touchdown passes this season, making every Saint not part of the offensive line a threat to score. He may not be Peyton Manning (but who is?), but since he dropped down in New Orleans no one has played better than Brees. Winning a title would make him an elite quarterback of the era.

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Are you ready for two weeks of hype for a Brett Favre versus Peyton Manning Super Bowl?

Well TOO FREAKING BAD! The Saints were having none of it today. And what a coincidence that in a year marred by missed field goals, it was on the leg of lesser-known Saints kicker Garrett Hartley that the Saints earned a spot in their first ever Super Bowl with a 31-28 win over the Vikings.

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They'll need it to keep Drew Brees and the Saints offense on the sidelines. In an opposing dome, the Viking o-line must maintain their composure and avoid costly penalties that will put Favre in obvious passing situations. Percy Harvin is expected to play after missing practices all week with migraines. Minnesota's defense can rush the passer and stop the run with the best of the NFL, but they are weak in the secondary. Getting to Brees early and often could shift the balance in their purple-flavored-favor. Will Favre reach the Super Bowl and ignite sports nation in two weeks of hype?

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Their two turnovers killed drives and gave the Saints 14 points.

Even though Drew Brees had a stellar performance, completing 23/32 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns, it was Bush who stole the spotlight. His early physical play set up his lateral moves as the game continued, especially on a 46-yard run where he stopped and started no less than three times before breaking it past the Cardinal secondary. An 83-yard punt return in the third gave Bush his second TD and his most significant games as a pro. It could not have come at a better time. 

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Followed up by a shocking loss to Tampa Bay and a give-in to Carolina, Drew Brees and the Saints may have significant rust to shake off to start this one. On the plus side, running back Pierre Thomas and tight end Jeremy Shockey will be back from injury, giving Brees his full complement of weapons. Defensively, the Saints lagged in the final stretch of the regular season, but still ended up leading the league with a whopping 39 takeaways. Resigning Deuce McAllister for the post-season won't do much more than provide some inspiration and crowd fervor. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday"

Even without tight end Jeremy Shockey, Drew Brees has an abundance of weapons at his disposal. If the Saints move to 14-0, it will could signal the end of Dallas' playoff hopes and the end of Wade Philips' tenure as head coach.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 15"

aints 26
(6-7) Atlanta Falcons 23

A Chris Redman-led Falcons mounted a valiant comeback, but Drew Brees and the Saints pulled out a thriller to clinch the NFC South. With a Saturday night game against Dallas coming up, the unbeaten New Orleans is proving they are the true team to beat in the NFC, winning in a variety of ways. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

Oh well. I guess I’d settle for a blowout and four touchdowns from Drew Brees. I’m sorry, is my bias showing? Go Saints.

Alright everyone, enjoy the games!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: week 12"

By the way, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are pretty good. *cough*Favre won*cough* Let’s wrap the week eight in the NFL with the Final Drive!

(5-2) Dallas Cowboys 38
(2-5) Seattle Seahawks 17

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 8"

 

This weekend Denver faces yet another stiff challenge, and four division match-ups make the Opening Drive! Oh yeah, and some guy named Favre returns to the second team he played for. No big whoop. Let’s analyze! 

Continue reading "Joe’s NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

Dolphins 34 

Oh Miami, you were so close! It was a valiant effort, but you can’t hold Drew Brees down for long. His two rushing TD’s are proof of that. Down 21 points in the first half, the Saints fought back with 36 points in the second, including a 42-yard interception return by Darren Sharper. Tony Sparano’s Dolphins show promise for the future, but their schedule so far this season has been simply brutal. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 7"

may find success with the Wildcat, but they won’t be able to match up points with the Saints. Drew Brees is far too accurate with the football to be human. 

(3-2) Arizona Cardinals at (5-1) New York Giants 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 7"

w York Giants 27 

What was supposed to be the best game of the weekend was over by halftime. Drew Brees let loose with another four TD’s as the Saints pwned the Giants in Louisiana. But the football sky isn’t falling in New York… at least not for Giants fans. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 6"

ns Saints 

Total lossless action Batman! Eli and the G-Men head to Louisiana to face a fresh Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Both of these defenses aren’t getting enough love because their quarterbacks are hogging all the attention with outstanding play. Manning has shined in spite of his young receivers and Flacco might have the best long ball in the league. 

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 6"

>Where have you been?  

(4-0) New Orleans Saints 24
(3-1) New York Jets 10 

Drew Brees hasn’t thrown a touchdown for a second straight week and the Saints are still undefeated. Why? They’ve established a running game and played excellent defense. That will win you plenty of football games. For the Jets, Mark Sanchez simply played the game we all knew was coming. He’s not Joe Namath yet, but he’s definitely going to be successful in this league. 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 4"

They face off against Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints, who proved last week they have a defense of their own. The Jets can’t keep up with the Saints on the scoreboard, so their defense will need to keep it close. If the Saints get above 24 points, you can almost lock in a win. 

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The offense rushed for 222 yards and didn’t need Drew Brees to throw a touchdown. Now that’s impressive. 

(2-1) Cincinnati Bengals 23
(1-2) Pittsburgh Steelers 20 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

s Saints (2-0) at Buffalo Bills (1-1)

How long can Buffalo’s defense keep it close? I think Drew Brees and the Saints will have a two touchdown lead by halftime. They’re just that good. T.O. has to be more ready for downfield throws than he was last week, because they’ll need every score they can get.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

That’s what happens when you get in a shoot-out with Drew Brees. He’s going to win that battle. Is there a better quarterback right now? The Saints should scare the jock straps off most teams.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

make Brady angry?

New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Now we’ll see if Drew Brees can rack up the same stats against a good defense as he did versus the Lions. Philly’s D is hard-hitting and aggressive, but their blitzes could leave openings for the big play. If Kevin Kolb ends up starting this one in place of Donovan McNabb, I don’t know if the Eagles can match points with the Saints.  

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 2"

n a freak play? Ouch.

New Orleans Saints 45, Detroit Lions 27

Even if it was against the Lions, Drew Brees’ six touchdowns are nothing short of amazing. They were from all over the field, hitting multiple receivers. They let a rookie QB lead his team to 27 points, but it was a great first game for the Saints.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

  Drew Brees won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.  I can’t argue with that pick.  Anytime you come within a deep out route of Dan Marino’s single season passing record, you can be the Offensive POY.Mike Smith was Coach of the Year.  I can’t argue there either.  Any of the successful rookie head coaches, Smith, Sparano, and Harbaugh, could have won this award.  Smith had the toughest situation before the season started and led the Falcons to the playoffs.  The Patriots franchised Matt Cassell.  That was a no-brainer.  Sure, on the surface, $29 million next year for two quarterbacks seems steep.  But the salary cap is going up about $28 million next year.  Take away the $14 million they are giving Cassell and this still have about $14 million more to spend next year than they did this year.  They sure up the most important position on the offense.  Plus, if they trade him they get a 1st and 3rd round pick.  Who knows, there may be a team out there that is only a good QB away from going to the next level.  Hello Buffalo? (And if you think the Pats won’t let Cassell go to Buffalo talk to Lawyer Milloy or Drew Bledsoe.)Did you see Lil’ Wayne on 1st and 10 on ESPN2?  When I heard he was going to be on I set-up the DVR because I had to watch.  Get this….he was really good.  He knows his sports.  His points were lucid and made lots of sense.  He made some statements that were bold and polarizing, which is what you want out of a talking-head.  I must say this though.  Skip Bayless said he loves Lil’ Wayne’s music and thinks Tha Carter III is Weezy’s Purple Rain.  Am I to believe Bayless really listens to hip-hop?  No offense Skip, but you are probably most buttoned up lily white person on ESPN’s roster.  If you’re not, you are in the team photo with Woody Paige and Marty Smith. 

Continue reading "Quick Hits and Playoff Week 2 Picks"

to get creative in these final weeks. 

Chicago’s defense came out strong, intercepting Drew Brees in the first quarter and giving up only seven points in the game’s first forty minutes. It was the seventeen points they surrendered in the final twenty that allowed the Saints to take the lead and regain hopes of a post-season. Brees ended up being picked off twice, but his 226 yards and two touchdowns almost made up for his mistakes. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush combined for 117 yards on the ground for New Orleans, giving them control over the clock, especially in the second half. Lovie Smith’s much-ballyhooed “Tampa-Two” defensive scheme was dissected by the opposing quarterback again this season, offering little in the way of actual defense. This system, as well as their roster is going to require a major overhaul in the off-season, and it’ll start with the defensive line. Anthony Adams and Israel Idonije took turns filling in for the injured Dusty Dvoraceck, coming up with big plays against the run. Unfortunately, Chicago’s pass rush only accounted for one sack of Brees, making it difficult to throw off the Pro-bowler’s rhythm. The coaching staff must make better adjustments at halftime and prepare for what the opposing team will do, instead of stubbornly sticking to their predictable game plans. When are they going to learn? 

Continue reading "Bears Rebound in OT to Beat Saints"

ot a threat to run the ball, in spite of the 180 plus yards they gained on the Falcons last Sunday. Drew Brees will drop-back quite a bit, ensuring that two or three throws will be up for grabs. Chicago needs only to do the grabbing. If they can’t capitalize on their chances, the Bears will be overwhelmed by the weaponry Coach Sean Payton has at his disposal. Jeremy Shockey, Marques Colston, and Reggie Bush all have the ability to break down defenses in various ways, but it is Bush that will be the x-factor for the Saints. His triple threat as a running back, wide receiver and punt return specialist could expose the Bears’ defensive schemes if utilized correctly. Lovie Smith must ensure his defenders are put in the best position to make plays in order to give his offense enough possessions to match the Saints’ point output. 

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The offense looked great and even more importantly the defense held up. They did that even without star corner Mike McKenzie, who got scratched Sunday. Saints fans have to be pleased opening the year with a win over the defending division champions.

Continue reading "Saints Do Everything They Need to Do Against Bucs"

He’s more effective that way.

Drew Brees is a fantastic quarterback. He is accurate, has a good arm, and can win football games if you let him. Drew Brees needs a chance to open up this offense this year. He is their only viable option at Quarterback and its not a bad option at all. Brees needs to be able to throw the ball down the field to one of his talented wide recievers. This is an offense thats based around the run, but maybe they need to work on making it more balanced. Brees can get it done. They have to let him do it.

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Here's to a healthy Deuce McAllister, a reinvigorated Drew Brees and a defense that could actually stop you or I from scoring.

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