(June 20, 2006) -- It's still too early to tell if Drew Brees will recover from major shoulder surgery in time to start at quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in their opening game of the 2006 season.

For now, the Saints are focusing on small signs of encouragement from the short- and intermediate-range throwing Brees has done during offseason workouts.

Saints veteran safety Omar Stoutmire, for one, told me that he liked what he saw of Brees' passing from arguably the best place to judge its effectiveness -- the secondary.


Drew Brees has made a strong first impression in New Orleans.
"I was just looking at the accuracy of the throws that he made, and the balls are actually pinpoint," Stoutmire said of a recent stretch of drills. "He's throwing away from the defender, which is obviously critical in a game of inches.

"Some of our defensive backs are closing on the ball so fast and he's throwing away from the defender, putting the ball in the spots where only the wide receivers can get it. Even though they're only 15- to 30-yard passes, it's encouraging to see the accuracy that he displayed."

With game-breakers such as Joe Horn and Reggie Bush, Brees' accuracy could very well prove to be more beneficial to the Saints offense than any limitations he might have in arm strength. In many cases, at least early on, he could generate big plays by simply getting the ball into their hands on short and intermediate passing routes.

Long-term, however, he will be expected to connect with deep threats such as newly acquired Bethel Johnson. Barring any setbacks, that should come as Brees continues in his recovery.