With Drew Brees out, Sean Payton gives an update on his health following the victory.
Drew Brees’ illustrious NFL story is coming to a close entering his twilight seasons with the New Orleans Saints. The one thing that would cap off a Hall of Fame-worthy career would be one final trip to the Super Bowl.
Now, perhaps the best ending is to see him play at least one more snap in 2020.
Brees was sidelined by a rib injury during the second half of New Orleans’ 27-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Former No.1 pick Jameis Winston took over a majority of the game in his place.
According to Saints coach Sean Payton, Brees will undergo an MRI on his ribs Monday for further evaluation. His status against NFC South rival Atlanta will now be questionable.
Is this the end of great Saints football?
New Orleans has been ravished by injuries on offense that’s kept the once-feared unit working all together this year. Michael Thomas missed six games with an ankle injury while fellow wideout Emmanuel Sanders missed time after being placed on the revere/COVID19 list. Even without quality superstars, Brees made it work, taking New Orleans to a 4-2 record since Week 2.
Brees, 41, definitely is showing signs of regression as most of his passes are on swing routes to perhaps Offensive Player of the Year Alvin Kamara. This season, he’s thrown for 2,120 yards and 17 touchdowns against three interceptions. Despite regressing with the deep ball, his average pass still is traveling 7.4 yards and his competition rating of 74 percent currently is the highest in the NFL.
Winston overall played the role of game-manager for New Orleans. He finished 6-of-10 for 63 yards and failed to find the end zone. Taysom Hill also took several snaps at the position, but he was used in the wildcat formation.
Without Brees, it will be hard to see New Orleans looking like a true contender in the NFC altogether. With Carolina and Atlanta still playing competitive football, wins against division rivals aren’t a given. The Saints could need a home-field advantage to secure their spot as the leaders when the postseason comes around.
If Brees truly is expected to miss time, this could be the start of the end of the regime in the Bayou.