Drew Brees, other New Orleans Saints players talk about Texans game
 

Quarterback Drew Brees on reason for slow start:

“Our first possession was at the two yard line, so it’s always a challenge to get out from a team’s end zone. We got to a third-and-5 situation and (RB Darren) Sproles is running open but unfortunately they had a free rusher. Had we been able to hold onto Sproles a little longer we could have continued the drive there. Otherwise the next possession we were able to get close to the 50 and just needed to convert on that third down. Other than that, we got those two big plays on our third drive, the screen and the pass to (RB) Pierre (Thomas) he made a great play of getting that guy off his back and then making the free safety miss and turning that into a big play. So, that was limited action for the first group but I felt like we were just starting to hit our stride when a couple of us got pulled out at that point.”

On the improvement of the receivers:

“Yeah, I’m excited for (WR) Kenny Stills; he had a couple big catches today, one for a touchdown. The go-route on our sideline was a big play. That was great to see. (WR Nick) Toon came up with some big plays, (WR Andy) Tanner had some big plays; every running back it seemed like was in on the action and did a great job. So honestly I feel like we spread it around quite a bit today. I felt like we got off to somewhat of a slow start but once we found our rhythm, that second and third quarter, I felt like we were moving the ball very effectively and playing with a lot of confidence.”

On not playing as much as in previous preseason games:

“Yeah, you know you’re always thinking about time versus number of plays, and one might come before the other. I think we came in with the plan that we’re going to play a little bit less this time around in the third game than we have in the past. I knew (RB Darren) Sproles was going to be limited coming into the game as was (WR) Lance (Moore), you know (RT Zach) Strief and some other guys on offense. So that was part, we just went according to plan. We all got some work and then got out.”

On what the young wide receivers have done during preseason:

“Well that’s how you get better, that’s how you gain confidence by gaining that type of repetition. Obviously we try to do that in practice but it’s hard to simulate the game during practice, so there’s nothing like getting game reps. Against some teams, now over the last couple of weeks, it’s been a lot of man coverage. It feels like, a lot of bump-and-run. You get in a game and to get off the jam and execute a good route and get your depth and stay disciplined, do a lot of those things, can be a challenge for a young receiver and our guys have handled it very well.”

On if WR Pierre Thomas will want more time in the slot:

“Yeah, he made a bid for that today with that. It’s always nice when you can throw a pass three yards and it becomes a 50-yard touchdown. But credit to him, great individual effort, then obviously with (WR) Lance (Moore) blocking down field, it turns a very routine of throw and catch into a touchdown. But it’s nice when you have those types of playmakers who can do that for you.”

On LT Charles Brown switching sides in today’s game:

“Yeah I mean I think that was just today with (RT Zach) Strief coming out a little early. Charles has started a number of games at right tackle, maybe three or four back in 2011 when Strief was hurt. So he’s been a swing tackle as we would say. You know Strief was a swing tackle prior to becoming a starter on the right side. So it’s nice when you have that versatility, just shows his athleticism.”

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Re: Drew Brees, other New Orleans Saints players talk about Texans game
 

I had not realized CB had changed sides during the game.

Stay healthy man. We need you!