saintz08

Brooks gets things together despite Saints' fading hopes



SAN ANTONIO -- With the New Orleans Saints on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention, Aaron Brooks is busy trying to salvage his season.
Brooks is coming off two of his better games, including a three-touchdown performance in a 21-19 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday night that snapped a six-game losing streak.

"A.B. is playing real good right now," rookie offensive lineman Jammal Brown said. "We haven't turned the ball over as often. He's making great decisions. He's making plays.

"He seems more confident. Things are jelling for him right now. It's a good time because we have all these division games coming up right now."


Coach Jim Haslett, despite having an intriguing prospect in fifth-round draft pick Adrian Peterson, hasn't indicated any plans to bench Brooks.

The Saints (3 - 8 ), who must win their final six games to avoid a losing season, face Tampa Bay (7-4) Sunday in Baton Rouge, La.

Brooks had no interceptions against New York and threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns the previous week against New England. But his passer rating is still just 73.4. Brooks, in his fifth full season as the Saints' starter, has never finished with a rating lower than 76.

"You can't put it all on the quarterback," receiver Joe Horn said. "We've dropped some balls. If I'm not mistaken, we lead the league in dropped balls."

Brooks broke Archie Manning's franchise record of 117 career touchdown passes against New England. He entered the season needing eight touchdown passes to equal the mark.

"Records are made to be broken, and it wasn't a surprise that I was going to get that," Brooks said. "The only way I would not be able to get that record was if they (were) to pull me out of the game for the rest of the season."

He rejected the idea that the record made him feel better about his performance. Instead, he credited the receivers and offensive line for making things click.

In the past two weeks Brooks has been sacked twice and thrown one interception, and that was a desperation toss into the end zone on the last play of a 24-17 loss to New England.

Brooks was sacked 13 times and threw four interceptions in the previous three games.

"I think the receivers have been doing a great job, giving me the opportunity to get the ball out," Brooks said. "The offensive line has been doing a good job of protecting. That's why I've been able to make those good decisions and those type of throws."

Brooks audibled out of running plays on two of his touchdown passes against the Jets. The combination of Antowain Smith and Aaron Stecker accounted for 23 rushes and 99 yards, easing the load on Brooks and the passing game.

"It gives him more options," Stecker said.

Against New England, Brooks was 27-of-50, completing six passes to each of four receivers. Seven different receivers caught at least one pass against the Jets.

Also Wednesday, the Saints signed defensive tackle Cedric Woodard, a starter for Seattle last season.


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