Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina

12-30-2009, 10:59 PM

by Bradley Handwerger / Eyewitness Sports

Posted on December 30, 2009 at 6:37 PM

Updated today at 9:11 PM
******

METAIRIE, La. – As soon as Jay Cutler’s pass was firmly in the hands of his Chicago teammate Devin Aromashodu in the end zone Monday night, only one thought immediately flashed into the minds of Saints fans world wide.

Will he or won’t he play, the he in this equation being Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees.

That touchdown pass from Cutler to Aromashodu sealed the No. 1 seed for New Orleans (13-2), who earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with the Minnesota loss to Chicago.

And with the No. 1 seed secured, New Orleans’ game against Carolina (7-8) became meaningless.

Hence, the question about Brees’ playing status.

“I’m going to do whatever I’m told,” Brees said Wednesday. “We’re all planning to play. Obviously the mindset is to try to put our best game together and win this game.”

That decision is ultimately up to Head Coach Sean Payton, who must weigh playing Brees and letting him try to keep his season rhythm before the bye week or resting him so as not to allow him the chance to get injured.

Backup quarterback Mark Brunell already knows he’s going to play. He just doesn’t know how much time or how many snaps.

The 17-year veteran has played in every game this season and the place-holder on all kicks, but has only played at quarterback in two games – against the Giants on Oct. 18 and against Tampa Bay on Nov. 22.

Additionally, he has thrown only one pass, that coming on a fake field goal attempt against Atlanta on Dec. 13. The pass fell incomplete.

So the experience will be invaluable, if only to knock the rust off of Brunell.

“As much as you can get in there, any guy in a supporting role, if you can get some live reps, get some game time, that’s great,” Brunell said. “Down the road, you don’t know when you’re number is called and the more you can get on the field, it’s valuable. No question.”

Payton wouldn’t tip his hand as to who will or won’t play against Carolina. But he did say the option exists to rest a few players who aren’t injured.

For what it’s worth, Brees wants to play, though he understands that myriad of reasons to keep him out of this game.

“Whatever decision is made, I’m fine with because I know it’s in the best interest of the team,” Brees said.

And if he does get in, will take extra precautions to not get hurt?

Nope.

“You always go in with the mentality that you can’t worry about that,” Brees said. “It’s not even the thought. I’m going 100 miles an hour until if or when they potentially take me out or not.”

Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina | wwltv.com | Sports

RaginCajun83 · 12-30-2009, 11:06 PM

When you play not to get hurt that when injuries happen .... hopefully Drew and the starters get one series and then Sean pulls all of them

st thomas · 12-30-2009, 11:23 PM

i'm reading all over that they will play to clean this crap up and kill this losing streak. that would suit me just fine. as long as we burn the black pants. we've loss more games in them suits than any other i think. not counting they make us look punney

exile · 12-31-2009, 09:06 AM

I don't buy the fact that Brees doesn't know if he will be playing. Don't they have a gameplan to put together anyway? I'm sure if Brunell is going to play he would be getting the practice reps.

UK_WhoDat · 12-31-2009, 12:22 PM

They don't say........

ScottF · 12-31-2009, 04:29 PM

Payton cites players' health as top concern - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

reading between the lines, don't start Brees or Colston in your fantasy leagues

DrewDat · 12-31-2009, 05:18 PM

This game doesnt concern me. Its the playoffs that im worried about

skymike · 12-31-2009, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by st thomas

i'm reading all over that they will play to clean this crap up and kill this losing streak. that would suit me just fine. as long as we burn the black pants. we've loss more games in them suits than any other i think. not counting they make us look punney

I approve of this message.

Really, I dont think its a good idea to go 3 weeks without playing a full contact game. pull Drew in the middle of the 3rd quarter. And go pass-happy with Brunell, regardless of the score, so he's ready too.

Mainly, lets kick the Panthers ass for 60 minutes, starters & backups.

12-30-2009, 10:59 PM	#1
Threaded by papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,754 Rating: (0 votes - average) by Bradley Handwerger / Eyewitness Sports Posted on December 30, 2009 at 6:37 PM Updated today at 9:11 PM ****** METAIRIE, La. – As soon as Jay Cutler’s pass was firmly in the hands of his Chicago teammate Devin Aromashodu in the end zone Monday night, only one thought immediately flashed into the minds of Saints fans world wide. Will he or won’t he play, the he in this equation being Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees. That touchdown pass from Cutler to Aromashodu sealed the No. 1 seed for New Orleans (13-2), who earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with the Minnesota loss to Chicago. And with the No. 1 seed secured, New Orleans’ game against Carolina (7-8) became meaningless. Hence, the question about Brees’ playing status. “I’m going to do whatever I’m told,” Brees said Wednesday. “We’re all planning to play. Obviously the mindset is to try to put our best game together and win this game.” That decision is ultimately up to Head Coach Sean Payton, who must weigh playing Brees and letting him try to keep his season rhythm before the bye week or resting him so as not to allow him the chance to get injured. Backup quarterback Mark Brunell already knows he’s going to play. He just doesn’t know how much time or how many snaps. The 17-year veteran has played in every game this season and the place-holder on all kicks, but has only played at quarterback in two games – against the Giants on Oct. 18 and against Tampa Bay on Nov. 22. Additionally, he has thrown only one pass, that coming on a fake field goal attempt against Atlanta on Dec. 13. The pass fell incomplete. So the experience will be invaluable, if only to knock the rust off of Brunell. “As much as you can get in there, any guy in a supporting role, if you can get some live reps, get some game time, that’s great,” Brunell said. “Down the road, you don’t know when you’re number is called and the more you can get on the field, it’s valuable. No question.” Payton wouldn’t tip his hand as to who will or won’t play against Carolina. But he did say the option exists to rest a few players who aren’t injured. For what it’s worth, Brees wants to play, though he understands that myriad of reasons to keep him out of this game. “Whatever decision is made, I’m fine with because I know it’s in the best interest of the team,” Brees said. And if he does get in, will take extra precautions to not get hurt? Nope. “You always go in with the mentality that you can’t worry about that,” Brees said. “It’s not even the thought. I’m going 100 miles an hour until if or when they potentially take me out or not.” Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina \| wwltv.com \| Sports
Views: 1393

12-30-2009, 11:06 PM	#2
RaginCajun83 Hou Saints Fan Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 5,050	Re: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina When you play not to get hurt that when injuries happen .... hopefully Drew and the starters get one series and then Sean pulls all of them

12-30-2009, 11:23 PM	#3
st thomas Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: lafayette Posts: 7,753	Re: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina i'm reading all over that they will play to clean this crap up and kill this losing streak. that would suit me just fine. as long as we burn the black pants. we've loss more games in them suits than any other i think. not counting they make us look punney

12-31-2009, 09:06 AM	#4
exile Cake or Death? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3,608	Re: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina I don't buy the fact that Brees doesn't know if he will be playing. Don't they have a gameplan to put together anyway? I'm sure if Brunell is going to play he would be getting the practice reps.
exile Cake or Death? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3,608

12-31-2009, 12:22 PM	#5
UK_WhoDat 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wherever I lay my hat Posts: 3,984	Re: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina They don't say........

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12-31-2009, 04:29 PM	#6
ScottF 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 6,324	ANSWER: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina Payton cites players' health as top concern - NFL - Yahoo! Sports reading between the lines, don't start Brees or Colston in your fantasy leagues

12-31-2009, 05:18 PM	#7
DrewDat DOMEPATROL Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Jacksonville,Florida Due To Military Obligation Posts: 479	Re: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina This game doesnt concern me. Its the playoffs that im worried about

12-31-2009, 06:33 PM	#8
skymike E. Side Cholo Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Barrio, H-town Posts: 6,089	Re: Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina Originally Posted by st thomas i'm reading all over that they will play to clean this crap up and kill this losing streak. that would suit me just fine. as long as we burn the black pants. we've loss more games in them suits than any other i think. not counting they make us look punney I approve of this message. Really, I dont think its a good idea to go 3 weeks without playing a full contact game. pull Drew in the middle of the 3rd quarter. And go pass-happy with Brunell, regardless of the score, so he's ready too. Mainly, lets kick the Panthers ass for 60 minutes, starters & backups.