New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Article Atlanta Falcons: Does Brees have Saints poised to make a move?

FLOWERY BRANCH — The one constant for the New Orleans Saints through their “Bounty Gate” scandal has been the feisty leadership and fine play of quarterback Drew Brees.

The Saints lost their first four games of the season, but have won three of their past four and appear capable of climbing out of the third-place hole in the NFC South.

Brees and the Saints (3-5) would love nothing more than to knock off the undefeated Falcons (8-0) when the play at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

“We know what a challenge it will be,” Brees said. “It always is. These games are really close. It always comes down to a play here or there in the game and down to the wire in the fourth quarter. We know what to expect.”

This will be Brees’ first time facing the Falcons’ defense under the direction of Mike Nolan.

“He’s done a great job in conjunction with (coach) Mike Smith,” Brees said. “I think you see both of their styles in what they are doing. It’s a good blend of both.”

Nolan’s schemes and execution by the players has flustered some of the better quarterbacks in the league this season, including Denver’s Peyton Manning, San Diego’s Philip Rivers and Philadelphia’s Michael Vick.

Nolan is certain to have some tactical plans ready for Brees, a six-time Pro Bowler.

“Coach Nolan has always got something brewing,” safety William Moore said. “I’m sure he took a deep look at New Orleans a long time ago. We’ll have something special going on this week.”

Nolan considers Brees one of the better quarterbacks in red-zone performance.

“They’re No. 1 in the red zone, and I believe they were in the top 3, if not No. 1, when he was at San Diego,” Nolan said. “It says a lot about who’s pulling the trigger in how you good you are in the red zone.”

Nolan considers Brees to be in a class with Peyton Manning and New England’s Tom Brady.

“He makes everyone around him a better player, which is exactly what guys like Peyton and Tom do,” Nolan said. “They all make everyone around them very good. The stats all support everything he does. They’re No. 1 in a lot of things.”

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