Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees

Jeremy Warnemuende 2015/06/05 24/7 Sports w/CBSSports.com


Quarterback Drew Brees has made it clear he plans on playing as long as his body can handle it, but the Saints are apparently concerned that time might be coming sooner rather than later.

Citing a team source, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported Thursday that New Orleans drafted quarterback Garrett Grayson in the third round in part because of "a noticeable decline in (Brees') physical ability." According to Cole, the team started to see an apparent drop off in Brees the last two seasons, especially in 2014. The main evidence for this decline, Cole said, has been Bress' interception and sack numbers.

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Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Give me a break with this garbage.....

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Did Peter King hack your account?

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

This kind of reporting oughta be against the law.

Nobody was quoted. What a joke.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

It doesn't do much good for writers to report things with unnamed "sources". It's one thing when you're trying to break news about a signing or something, but you'll never have any member of the organization come out and confirm a report like this. Whether it was actually said behind closed doors or not.

With that said, Sean Payton could say it himself, publicly, and most people would call it BS. For some reason, people get really offended by any notion that Brees is in any decline. HE IS people! He's 35, it's natural. That doesn't stop me from being irritated when he has a bad game, but my reaction would be the same if he were 21. He's still one o9f the best in the league, but he's not where he was a few years back. I know he hasn't had the greatest line, but the under-throws, the pocket awareness and decision making have been a bit underwhelming at times.

An improved line will obviously help. I'm just choosing not to be in denial about certain things. It might hurt less in the future.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

interception and sack numbers ? improved line play? Ya think they go hand in hand?:dunce: freaking media .......

come on a seven yard drop and time to make 75% of your read progression has declined in the past three or four years. pocket integrity has also been falling apart over the years.

last year Drew was lucky to get thru 50% of his reads before stepping up into a pocket that was shaky at best.

Enter Unger and Peat. Grubbs was a cap move and roll of the dice.

SP has put his faith into Tim Litto and he is the key to everything. He is SP cutie pie move for 2015. SP always has one every year with the OL.

On the bright side over the past 3 or 4 years SP cuties on the OL has failed each and every time. looking more like dogs you get on a blind date. chew your arm off and run when all is said done. Now it is to the point the law averages says he is due for a winner. soon then later. :rolleyes: Litto has a better shot than Bushrod did so there is a chance here. still a hard 6 to roll

Biggest loss is PT in pass protection. who will step up and give drew that extra second or two in the pocket? :confused:

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

I think Brees is going to be fine. Historically when the line has been good, so has Brees. I think that's kind of what has made Graham so important to our offense over the last few years, because of the decreased line play. When Brees is constantly getting pressure in his face, what do you do? Well you throw it up to the biggest, most physical man on the field in a place that only he can catch it. I feel as though even if Graham was on this team and we got increased line play... Graham's production numbers would go down because Brees would distribute the ball more efficiently. That's what our offense used to be about... getting the ball to different guys... and we've gotten away from that.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Both of which just so happen to follow the decline in the offensive line..

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Here's your top three oldest starting QB's in the NFL, and coincidently three of your top QB's in the game (age approx. in 2015):

1. Peyton Manning, DEN (39)
2. Tom Brady, NE (38)
3. Drew Brees, NO (36)

Tony Romo's (DAL) 35, Phil Rivers (SD) & Roethlisberger (PIT) both 33, Eli's (NYG) 34 ... just sayin', doesn't seem like age is that big a factor in a QB's decline nowadays. Betcha' Manning/Brady are chasing a few George Blanda (OAK) longevity records, ;)

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

And Farve was a few plays short of a Super Bowl at what, 40?

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Typical media sensationalism, if thats a word.

Someone probably said "well Brees won't last forever, he's getting older".

Add a pinch of isolated stats, a dash or two of speculation and the media turns it into what you have here.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

The ESPN-ization of sports....

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Yea... and we kicked his A$$. :bng:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1...25ajo1_500.gif

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Hey. it's about the Saints and their quarterback...

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

REPORT: bulls***

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Didn't Brees tie the league in most yards and nearly have another 5,000 yard season (48 yards shy)

Not to mention nearly a 70% completion rate
That with Graham and Colston having cases of the drops

Shore up that line - look out

The Packers game was an example

Hope we get a few breakout receivers this year

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Zzzzzzzz. Move along now. Nothing to look at here....

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

A failclowns fan with a sharp crayon could write a more informative article!

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Yeah!
Like the lesser performance of the offensive line had nothing to do with it. We all know that greater pressure on a QB creates more opportunities for the defense to make interceptions.
Like the 30 dropped passes the Saints had, that included Jimmy Graham dropping 6.5% and Marcus Colston dropping 7.1% of the passes coming their way.
:rolleyes:
True dat

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

It's possible. We don't see Drew every day in practice like the coaches do. It's clear they're planning to move on from Brees due to drafting Grayson so I don't see how the article is all that far-fetched.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

The Saints have Brees signed for two more seasons. He should play up to his contract over the course of that time. The wise move is let him play out the deal and see where the market is for him. A lot can happen to any QB, let alone one at his point in his career, in two years.

Brees should be fine over the life of his contract, and that should be all we should worry about.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

He had been in decline for years, and had that one so-so year with the vikings where he was asked to do something he had never done in his career... be a game manager. He had a top 10 defense, the best running back in the league, and the Vikings knew he was too old to be the gunslinger he was in Green Bay. He did pretty well, but he quickly broke down after the end of that season.

Guys like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady almost never get hit. When you're getting into your mid to late 30's and you've been taking a beating for a couple years, you WILL decline.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

So if we protect Drew Brees he can play till 40

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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...

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

So so year, bahahahaha. Are you kidding or just forgetful? I remember he had a phenom year that year so I went to check the stats.

68% completion, 4200 yards, 33 td's, and 7 int's

If that's so so, what's good? lol

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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).

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Couldn't agree more, SloMo.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

He was a game manager, just as I said. 4200 yards is good (I said he did pretty well that year) but not great in this age of football, where almost no one is under 4000 yards anymore. There wasn't much of a down field attack. The simplified approach kept the turnovers down for a guy who, even when he was winning MVP's, was a turnover machine his whole career. Then he started getting beat up again, and it was over. Remember that?

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Maybe so. But my point is about what has been going on the last couple of years. I guess if he never got hit he could play til he's 50. But unfortunately, that has not been the case. He can still play at a high level if he's protected, yes. That's not hard to answer. Do I think he's got the same arm strength to make all the throws down the field consistently as he used to? From what I see on the field, no. His decision making has, at times, been atrocious. To what do we attribute that? I really don't know. But seeing is believing. That's something that is completely mental, and whether he comes out of that I don't know. Hopefully if he has more time he'll think a little more clearly.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Decline, what decline

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Sure arm strength is a little less.

But the "mental" thing... I don't agree at all. The only factor changing Drew mentality is 2-3 280lb players in his face before receivers get into their breaks.

Besides, he admitted trying to do "too much" to help the team win last year. At least he was trying....

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Especially when you can only two hand touch them. By the time Roger is done with this game Qbs will be able to play until they draw social security.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

and that is all

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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.

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

Why is THIS still up??

Re: Report: New Orleans Saints concerned about decline in Drew Brees
 

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

This stuff just won't go away...