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Embattled QB still confident in his ability
Thursday December 11, 2003
By Brian Allee-Walsh
Staff writer

Despite losing three fumbles Sunday, Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks said he doesn't plan to bobble an opportunity to remain in the starting lineup.

The Saints and New York Giants play Sunday night on prime-time television at the Superdome.

"I'm going to respond well, and play my butt off and do everything I can to help this team," Brooks said Wednesday. "Even if I don't, it doesn't matter to me because I feel good about myself, and my physical ability. I know I'm a successful person.

"Now am I going to play like my job is on the line? No. I'm going to play my style of football. I'm going to play Aaron Brooks football. I'm not going to look over my shoulder. I haven't done that before, and there's no reason for me to do that now."

Brooks has been under fire since performing poorly in a 14-7 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday, a game in which he lost three of four fumbles.

One slipped from Brooks' right hand as he began his throwing motion at the Bucs' 28-yard line. That miscue led to Tampa Bay's first touchdown.

Saints coach Jim Haslett said Brooks remains his starting quarterback, but he would not hesitate to insert backup Todd Bouman against the Giants (4-9).

The Saints (6-7) are 26-26 in games that Brooks has started, including 1-1 in the postseason.

"We have to take care of the football and (Brooks) understands the situation, and I'm sure he'll take care of the ball this week," Haslett said.

"Any time any player on offense is not giving us the best chance to win a game, I think you have to consider making a change," offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy said. "That's a common practice."

Haslett has never pulled his starting quarterback based solely on performance since his arrival in New Orleans in 2000.

"I trust the judgment of Coach Haslett, Coach McCarthy and (quarterbacks coach Mike) Sheppard," Brooks said. "If it were to come down to that, I know it would be a move that would benefit our football team. If I'm not helping the team, then that's the way it is. I don't see that happening because I'm going to go out there and play Aaron Brooks football."

Brooks said the days following Sunday's game have been "overbearing."

"Maybe the toughest I've had to deal with since I've been here," Brooks said. "I say maybe, because it all depends on how these last three games go."

Brooks, 27, said he has become a more mature person and player because of the trials and tribulations he has faced since becoming a full-time starter in 2000.

"I've been going through this BS for three years now," said Brooks, referring to second-guessing and criticism from fans and media. "I'm at ease with myself. If I'm not at ease with myself by now, I would never be. It's part of the business."

Part of the pro football business also is remaining visible in the community, even after a poor performance. Brooks spent part of his off day Tuesday signing autographs at a local business. There he engaged in conversation with a young boy, who promised to get straight A's in school if Brooks promised to quit fumbling.

Brooks and the youth sealed the deal with a handshake.

"I don't hide from anybody," Brooks said. "I'm a man about what I do and what I am. I'm proud of who I am, where I've gotten to and my accomplishments.

"This is not a life-and-death situation, man. We're 6-7 and a game away from .500, and we still have an opportunity to make the playoffs. It's tough to deal with, but there's nothing drastic about this. We'll push on and put last week behind us."