burningmetal

I'm afraid I don't understand how you can disagree with the mental part. That isn't really even an opinion. It's a fact. Making bad decisions is mental. I'm not calling him a mental patient, just stating the obvious.

I know about guys baring down on him, and the wear factor is what I've been talking about with the physical part of his game. I made the point about the O-line several times in this thread.

When I say bad decisions, that has nothing to do with the instances where he's getting hit as he releases. I'm talking about throwing the ball into a crowd of defenders, staring down his main target (who is no longer here, of course) or trying some desperate underhanded shuffle right into the hands of a defender who was standing right in front him (can't remember which game it was, I just remember that play).

Those aren't plays that are indicative of the old Drew, and it has nothing to do with age. That's all about decision making, and you don't make decisions with your arms or legs. It's all upstairs. I didn't suggest he wasn't smart or that he was losing it, but he has definitely not been as sharp.

I also didn't say he wasn't trying. I know he is, and he's a stand up guy when he makes mistakes. None of that negates the point. If he's trying to do too much, then he's not playing smart. There is plenty of blame to go around for why he even feels that kind of pressure to do it all, but he's still got to take what's there and not force it. Turnovers have killed us.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that, the NFL would fine and suspend me.

jeanpierre

I will say this about our quarterback situation:

Unless Grayson were a total flop, he makes the team based on draft status, investment as he wasn't a Day 3 pick - that'd be different...

With Grayson on the roster, we will carry three (3) quarterbacks so a rookie is not in there if something happens with Brees...

The competition will be between Griffin and McCown with Griffin being the backup if he plays as good as McCown with McCown's salary number...

It's not just the age issue with Brees, but as more time passes post shoulder reconstruction, he will be limited in his throws...

Brees will have to be extended at least another year to bring down next season's cap number, unless Grayson proves the next coming...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

SloMotion

Do guys like Manning & Brady almost never get hit because of their offensive lines (possibly in Brady's case) or because they know how to move in the pocket (as in Manning's case)? I don't think Manning has fused vertebrae or whatever because he almost never gets hit ... I think the reason guys like Brady/Manning/Brees are at the top of the game at their ages is simply because they know how to play (students of the game).

AsylumGuido

Couldn't agree more, SloMo.

burningmetal

With all due respect to your point, Drew Brees used to be praised for his ability to feel the pressure and step up. The past couple years he's been getting hit a lot more, and I'll leave you to tell me why that is.

I have watched Manning and Brady for their whole careers just like you. I'm not saying they don't have any ability to step away from pressure, but when I have watched these guys they have rarely had to step up. They have been well protected for the vast majority of their careers.

That doesn't mean they never, ever get hit. You pointed out Manning's neck surgery. That's a freak thing. You get worn down after years of being hit, but a serious injury can happen in an instant. The Broncos offensive line had some injuries last year, and Manning , for the first time I can remember, was consistently harassed down the stretch... It showed in his play.

Please note that none of this is to take away from any of these guys. They are the best at what they do because they are the best. It's that simple. This isn't an argument of why they are good, on my part. Just making some observations.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard that, the NFL would fine and suspend me.

Rugby Saint II

Is this where we look up and see that the sky is falling?

QBREES9

Decline, what decline

RaginCajun83

Jesus H Christ that had to be one of the worst articles written since 2012 about the Saints, stupid hack needs to be fired

Thirty3

Why is THIS still up??

jeanpierre

Opposing coach on Drew Brees: 'He is just losing his juice'

This stuff just won't go away...