I didn't say that Brees is average. Refer to my most recent reply to you, and I have addressed most of your points. I merely brought up that what is considered "value" has been more about panic an over paying mediocrity than anything to do with production. I understand that my dislike for the market won't change it, and I didn't suggest that anyone will change it, regardless of my opinion. Again, it's going over that market that I think would be unwise, and it's what some have suggested that not only we COULD, but SHOULD do. And obviously I disagree with that.

In reference to the ups and downs, yes, I am talking about turnovers for one. It's not just INT's. He fumbles a lot as well, and also we throw a lot more short yardage plays in place of running the ball, because for much the past several years we can't run. That has kept his yardage total up and lead to lower yards per attempt and ultimately is not leading to more points. He's also been very good a fair amount of that time, hence why I say UPS and downs. I'm not telling you he's been awful.

I'm truly not sure how this small point on my part has turned into two or three pages of discussion.

Also consider the fact that Brees is usually up among the top three or four in passing attempts so his chances of having a fumble created are far greater than almost all NFL QB's. Brees does not have an issue fumbling the ball. In fact, he is probably among the all-time leaders in the NFL with fumbles per attempt.

First of all, I'm not sure who the "we" is you are talking about, but I know that Brees led the NFL in deep passing accuracy in 2016. So, lets say that does drop off in the next three or four years. Chances are he would still be in the top fourth of the league and be worth every penny.

As for the Manning example, he had suffered a severe neck injury and was physically breaking down in other areas. Nobody would ever compare the athleticism pf Manning to Brees. Brees has always been far more athletic. Nothing indicates a sudden collapse as was expected from Manning.

Pick 6s and red zone picks are one of the leading causes or high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.
Every QB throws pick 6s and has red zone/end zone interceptions.
Backup QBs are no different. Fumbles happen too.
If Brees went down I think Luke would be fine - Not Brees, but he would be fine.
I think the system would lend to his success.
(I'm going to say this and then duck)
I think much of Brees success has to do with Sean Payton's system.
Had he ended up some place else in 2006, we may not even be hearing his name anymore.
Not that he's not elite, but a QB is nothing without protection and catchers.
Brees has been blessed with both.
I think Payton would position McKown to do what he does best.
McKown is a good manager.
He would do fine.

If Brees went down I think Luke would be fine - Not Brees, but he would be fine.

I think Payton would position McKown to do what he does best.
McKown is a good manager.
He would do fine.

Yeah...did you watch the preseason game? McCown looked worse than GG. I think you're right about SP putting him in position to be successful, but that only last a game or two. Josh would not carry us for a season, not in a million years.