Resting Brees Simply Not An Option

by Dave Cariello on Dec 28, 2011 10:01 AM CST

Let me get this straight...

We just watched Drew Brees break Dan Marino's 27-year-old single-season passing yardage record on Monday night then had to deal with a few morons who incredulously tried to stain that meaningful moment, yet there's the possibility Brees may not even hold the new record when the season is actually over? You're telling me all that celebrating in New Orleans Monday night might have been meaningless and the incredibly historic season we've just watched Drew put together may only go down as the second best single-season passing performance by a quarterback?

Apparently, that's a possibility. Because Sean Payton might be doing some scoreboard watching this Sunday during the Saints game vs. Carolina. And if the Niners happen to build a healthy lead in their simultaneous game against the Rams, Payton's not afraid to pull Brees in favor of a little rest and relaxation before the playoffs. From his press conference yesterday:

...what we have to do is keep playing. The playoffs are close. How do we put ourselves in the best position to play well and put ourselves in an opportunity to win a championship. That's not always what is popular. Two years ago in 2009, a lot of people in this room criticized us for resting players at Carolina. It was what we needed to do as a team. You make decisions. They are not always right. You try to make them with the right things to help your team. Last night was one of those situations. This upcoming game will be one of those situations.

Meanwhile, up in New England, the Patriots are still fighting to lock up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Which means that Tom Brady, who is only 190 yards behind Brees currently, is probably going to play and could potentially "pass" him up and become the new all-time single-season passing yards leader should Drew play only an unproductive half or so. Would you be okay with that? Because I certainly wouldn't. No sir, I don't like it.

There's no need to explain why resting starters is a good idea. I get it. I want to see the Saints win another Super Bowl just like everyone else and if this were any other year I would be all about the resting of starters. Of course that's only if San Francisco were really whooping the Rams and any chance of a comeback were near impossible because that second overall seed is still up for grabs and you simply never know what can happen.

But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I highly doubt Drew is ever going to be in this position again. He's already got the NFL record, now he's got 60 more minutes to buy some time as king of the hill and, as it stands, defend himself. I know we'd never hear Drew lobby for something like this or put himself before his team, so I'm taking it upon myself to speak on his behalf. He's come so far and we've all been right there with him; I think we all want to see this to it's ultimate completion. So keep Drew out there this weekend, max protect his ass and let him finish strong.

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I think he plays and he plays much of the game

If Payton weasels and waffles after putting the pedal down to get the record Monday Night, he’ll look as wishy-washy pathetic as Mike Smith looked kicking FGs in the second half of this week’s game after going “all-in” five weeks ago with a 4th down run in OT…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 10:24 AM CST reply actions

Dave, I saw your post on Pats Pulpit

Neither Payton or Belichick cares about passing records enough to risk their starters.

The only reason either of these guys would be starting is because of playoff seedings. The Pats need to stay one game ahead of Pittsburgh and Baltimore for the #1 seed, and the Saints need to win their game just in case the 49ers crap their pants against Rams (or at least leave the starters in the game until finding out that the Niners have an insurmountable lead….whatever the hell that would be).

For these two coaches and their two quarterbacks, it’s about winning a championship only.

(Also, pay absolutely no attention to what Payton says to the media)

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 28, 2011 10:25 AM CST reply actions 2 recs

but what about paying attention to what he actually did late in the game on Monday?

that certainly wasn’t about playoff seeding

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 10:27 AM CST up reply actions

(Hans?)

What happened Monday night has no bearing on starting players for the final game with playoff seeds on the line. They (Payton and Brees) wanted to get that damn circus out of the way so they could concentrate on the big picture.

Plus, they WANTED to do it in that setting at home on prime-time television. Now that it’s over, only the quest for the Super Bowl matters.

Yes, both quarterbacks will start….but because of the playoff seedings, not passing records.

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 28, 2011 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

Good Point!

But I think Payton really wanted all the hoopla over with to move on and focus on the playoffs!

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." Bum Phillips

by Saint for life on Dec 28, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

agreed.... somewhat

Peter King:

Sean Payton didn’t want this record hanging over his head for another week. As Brees told me last week, the record was the 800-pound gorilla in the locker room, and he was excited about getting it — but also excited about getting it over with so the team could get on with regular football. Payton had a way, through his playcalling, to get the record over with so the Saints could prepare for their final game and the playoffs without the distraction of the Marino record. I have no problem with it, because I think it was done with the team, and a player the organization loves, in mind.

They both start. But they both might be yanked early. There will be some scoreboard watching.

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 10:47 AM CST up reply actions

You've been skimming again, pal

They (Payton and Brees) wanted to get that damn circus out of the way so they could concentrate on the big picture.

Plus, they WANTED to do it in that setting at home on prime-time television. Now that it’s over, only the quest for the Super Bowl matters.

Peter King must have been reading my newsletter. Oh, and about those starters getting yanked and scoreboard monitoring.

the Saints need to win their game just in case the 49ers crap their pants against Rams (or at least leave the starters in the game until finding out that the Niners have an insurmountable lead….whatever the hell that would be).

Agreed somewhat? Nah….we’re on the same page, old chum.

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 28, 2011 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

I've watched the Rams quite a bit this year (wife is from St. Louis)

and they have very little scoring ability, much less hard-charging comeback ability, so it might be over sooner rather than later, which would be good.

I’m now trying to remember what it was like in last year’s Week 17…Saints played all starters early and weren’t really doing all that well vs. Bucs, then it became clear that Panters weren’t going to upset ATL, and almost simultaneously injuries started happening and then starters were pulled? Does that seem accurate to anyone else? I think I remember feeling like the “mojo” and energy/attitude in that game was way “off” and that I thought it may have been because of all the factors being factored into the game-plan (what happens in the other game, when do they start resting people, will they be able to rest people, will we maybe get to 12 wins and pass the Falcs, etc.)

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:04 AM CST up reply actions

I seem to think I didn't like all the "clutter" and contingencies that were present for that day/game

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:07 AM CST up reply actions

Holy Crap, "seem to think"?

What am I, now thinking that I seem to think I might think I know I think things like Peter King?

may be time for a CSC break for me…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

Hans thats the way I remember it,

they looked as flat in that game as the envelope they mailed their playoff performance in with!

Fee-fi-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive, or be he dead
I'll grind his bones to make my bread

by jonrockets on Dec 28, 2011 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

The problem is that SF doesn't have a great offense, either

If the Rams can do well on defense and special teams, they might be able to pull it out. I still can’t believe SF dropped Braylon Edwards…

by BlackandGold4ever on Dec 28, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

he was having a terrible year

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:34 AM CST up reply actions

And the rest of their WRs are having a good season? The leading receiver after Crabtree and Vernon Davis is Kyle Williams with 20 receptions for 241 yards. I think you can tell where SF is going to focus in the draft next season…

by BlackandGold4ever on Dec 28, 2011 11:39 AM CST up reply actions

maybe Edwards is a locker-room cancer

Humbaugh wouldn’t put with that crap.

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:52 AM CST up reply actions

he was injured. That’s different from having a terrible year.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 28, 2011 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

One was the cause of the other. Not different, related.

Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!

by Dave Cariello on Dec 28, 2011 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

Clarifications speak better that intimations sometimes because sometimes people don’t follow and think, “oh he was just sucking” not knowing he was injured. So I had to clarify.

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 28, 2011 9:30 PM CST up reply actions

and I had no idea he was injured, just saw his stats flash on the espn crawl when they announced his release

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 10:03 PM CST up reply actions

rotoworld.com:

49ers waived WR Braylon Edwards.
Edwards signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract in August to be the Niners’ deep threat. It never came close to working out. Edwards was always a poor fit for the conservative Alex Smith and his knee issues lingered for much of the year. The former No. 3 overall pick was eventually passed on the depth chart by Kyle Williams. Edwards’ Niners career ends with 15 catches for 181 yards and no touchdowns in nine games. He’s now available to any team via the waiver process.
Source: Braylon Edwards on Twitter
Dec 27

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 3:52 PM CST up reply actions

I would make a go at him

Especially with Meachem and Colston being potential free agents. I think he could take Colstons spot if he decides to take more money elsewhere.

You're such an inspiration for all the ways that I will never, ever choose to be-Maynard James Keenan

by AcquiredPanic on Dec 28, 2011 4:35 PM CST up reply actions

If I were Colston, I’d stay, but if I’m Meachem go get that paper!

Haters gon' hate...

by TAYDIGGA on Dec 28, 2011 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think so.....

Never shown me that hands that I would like to see in one of our WRs

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 28, 2011 11:12 PM CST up reply actions

I put up a Fanshot with a link to the whole Peter King story.

Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Dec 28, 2011 11:38 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, we went into the TB game last year knowing we didn’t stand a chance at getting the division, but going through the motions anyway “just in case”. It showed on the field. It showed in the tentative ways some players played. And it showed in the way some players got injured from playing tentative and/or playing too hard trying to make up for players who were being tentative.

Whatever we do this year, we HAVE to avoid coming into the CAR game with that same mindset. I’m perfectly OK with throwing the game. I don’t really actually care all that much about Marino’s (old) record, Drew’s (new) record, or anything else except winning in the playoffs. I wanted to see the record get broken and I enjoyed the way it came on national TV, because Drew does deserve more recognition. But beyond that I don’t care about it. I want far more at least one — preferably four, of course, but one is a bare minimum — wins in the playoffs, and everything else, including the record, including the potential for going undefeated at home, including the desire to sweep the Punkthers, etc, etc, etc… everything else just flat doesn’t matter.

If that means Sean spends the week trying to build up the Rams in the heads of his players to make them think there really is a chance of the upset, fine. I’ll suspect his honesty, of course. (Hell I do that anyway.) But I will still understand his motivation, and it’s a logical approach to take.

And if Sean just says screw it and throws the game and then the Rams do pull off the upset, even then I still won’t care. SF had no business beating PIT or SEA, but as soon as everybody started predicting the losses would I suspected it would not. At least part of that blame goes to Tomlin for being an idiot and playing a crippled Ben, of course. Ben reduced their chances of victory by at least 85%, Batch may well not have moved the team down the field but at least he wouldn’t have thrown four interceptions with ridiculously errant throws. And SEA deserves some for not being good enough too. So now we’d need an outright miracle and we know we’ve got like a 0.001% chance of getting it. If we decide to play the odds and we come up snake-eyes, oh well. Life goes on.

by FriarBob on Dec 28, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

I am a skimmer.

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

yes, B-dog, it's Hans, and I get all that you're saying and agree with most of it, but

I guess my point is that he could do some “Brady passing yards” watching while “Niners-Rams” scoreboard watching on Sunday, and it may enter into his in-game decisions.

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 10:56 AM CST up reply actions

I love it when you call me B-Dog.

Seriously….it grew on me.

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 28, 2011 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

good, because I mean it with much fond sincerity

and can you imagine if B-Dog and Hans D ever hooked up in the real world for a Saints game-watching event?

We might cause a tear in the space-time continuum…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions

We might cause a tear in the space-time continuum

Either that or somebody’s wife would end up getting pregnant.

Not either of ours, of course…..just some random accident at a concession stand maybe. My wife and I have 8 kids (they’re all grown now)…..I’m kinda dangerous.

Messing around with that space-time stuff could cause immaculate conceptions.

(Well, that’ll be my story when I get back home)

~Anything by Yogi Berra~

by BewareofDog on Dec 28, 2011 11:40 AM CST up reply actions

"My wife and I have 8 kids"

BewareofRabbit???

Friends don't let friends Tweet.

by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 28, 2011 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

If Brady does go all out to get that record,

he best be careful and not over try. He might pull a Tebow and throw four interceptions and wind up losing the game.

by tommy v on Dec 28, 2011 1:08 PM CST up reply actions

That’s how he lost the last time he played Buffalo…

by FriarBob on Dec 28, 2011 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

rec

For these two coaches and their two quarterbacks, it’s about winning a championship only.

As it should be.

by snowboard_kat on Dec 28, 2011 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

Not so sure.
I remember Belicheat calling deep passes with abandon in 2010 so Brady could break Manning’s TD record (it took him an additional meaningless game I might add).
It has always seemed to me that Belicheat has derived motivation from records and the history of the game. He definitely desires to leave a lasting legacy.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 28, 2011 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

if i see

bradys name above brees’ in the books for this record, i’m gonna go bolistic

The Pirates of Poydras will rule this day

by Nola5712 on Dec 28, 2011 10:28 AM CST reply actions

Yeah! And then I’m going to embolastic.

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

some holistic-based medical care might help

homeopathy, perhaps, as well?

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 10:57 AM CST up reply actions

Maybe just a baby aspirin.

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

and a glass of red wine, daily

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

Embolastoplasty is the way to go.

"Mercedes Numbah One."
--unidentified Khmer Rouge punk Saints fan

by MtnExile on Dec 28, 2011 1:47 PM CST up reply actions

My nose is just fine, thanks.

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions

I agree.

A ~~bottle~~ glass of red wine ~~hourly~~ daily.

Friends don't let friends Tweet.

by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 28, 2011 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

WT-Heck

Why?all should worry about is winning another SB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just saying

2009 NFC SOUTH CHAMPS
2009 NFC CHAMPS
2009 SB44 CHAMPS
WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by SAINTS#12 on Dec 28, 2011 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

well of course another SB

is the ultimate goal. but if you look at the mvp and the few times he’s been snubbed for it, this would be such a high mark for him. obviously another superbowl and preferrably another superbowl mvp would be more important to him than anything. i think right now, he could care less about the record, but i personally think he, and nobody else, deserves to hold it…at least for more than a week geez…

The Pirates of Poydras will rule this day

by Nola5712 on Dec 28, 2011 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

It would have to be one seriously ridiculous lead to change the game plan.

I’m just glad we’re not in the late game. I’m still not certain that that first loss in 2009 wasn’t manufactured.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Dec 28, 2011 10:34 AM CST reply actions

NO Way!

Drew doesn’t have to throw for 400 yards with a 199 yard lead. We can use a lot of the run games as I’m sure that Chris Ivory and Ingram can still use the work! I want Drew healthy, but want his record to stay up as well.

"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." Bum Phillips

by Saint for life on Dec 28, 2011 10:43 AM CST reply actions

saints will scoreboard check 49er's game at halftime

an If their up big,Drew should find a seat on the Bench,an you dont want to get guys hurt like we did last year!!!!!!!!

2009 NFC SOUTH CHAMPS
2009 NFC CHAMPS
2009 SB44 CHAMPS
WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by SAINTS#12 on Dec 28, 2011 10:53 AM CST reply actions

and??

play for the win if the win is the difference b/t the 2 and 3 seed. if not, DEFINITELY REST THE STARTERS!! betcha’ Drew and the gang are a little more worried about being healthy in the playoffs and winning another Super Bowl than they are about passing record they’ll break again next year!

by A DOG NAMED DEUCE on Dec 28, 2011 11:15 AM CST reply actions

I wonder if the 5th and 6th flip

if the Lions lose and the Falcons win. I’d much rather play the Falcons one more time and hammer a message home.

Of course, I also want to pound the Pants into submission next week, also.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Dec 28, 2011 11:31 AM CST reply actions

Cr@p! They would flip, I'm pretty sure.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Dec 28, 2011 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

Yes they would

On the other hand, I don’t really care who we play in the opening round. We’ve beaten both this season by something like a combined 50 points. If we can’t handle them when they come back for another round, we aren’t as good as we think we are.

by FriarBob on Dec 28, 2011 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

Going into a game half-assed is a sure way to get injured.

This isn’t college football. You have, on average, one back-up for each player. I think what Payton is likely to do is rotate his players more, but I hope nobody is scoreboard-watching.

by Ship on Dec 28, 2011 11:32 AM CST reply actions

I think it is a serious problem...

As a Saints fan I want the best of both worlds the passing record and a Super Bowl win. But I guess you have to ask which one is more important and if I can’t have both then I want another Lombardi. I hope we can get both but don’t want a repeat of week 17 last season.

by WhoDatChamps on Dec 28, 2011 11:37 AM CST reply actions

I think you have to go all in.

We probably won’t get a bye and we have to have a mindseyt like Green Bay had last year- just win.
Clearly Brees should and will start and we should play our normal game and if the St L games gets out of hand we can just run the ball late in the game. Pulling Brees late could happen, but it would have to be pretty late.

"We've established the run; we've established the pass. Now all we have to establish is another championship!"

by Philinwood on Dec 28, 2011 1:06 PM CST reply actions

Also if he sat the whole game...

Wouldn’t that also kill his 40-something consecutive games with a TD reception, X # of 20 completion games, etc,…..????

SP: "No, No, No. I said 'Let's all take it to the Vikes again' not' Let's all take 2 Vicoden!'"

by Comp on Dec 28, 2011 1:15 PM CST reply actions

No

He sat the last game in 2009. That was only 31 games ago.

"Mercedes Numbah One."
--unidentified Khmer Rouge punk Saints fan

by MtnExile on Dec 28, 2011 1:48 PM CST up reply actions

but if he plays one snap, he’ll need a TD to keep the streak alive.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Dec 29, 2011 10:40 PM CST up reply actions

I say play him as long as you need to, as long as you're protecting him well

I’d much rather Drew Brees had the record than Tom Brady, and a win can only help you.

by Dave Choate on Dec 28, 2011 1:19 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Drew will put up about 225 yds in the first half,

throw 2-3 touchdowns, then sit out the second half. We will win Cam and the boys and the Rams will win the 49ers. We won’t have to travel to Green Bay, because by that time the Packs season will be over. And of course we do win that Super Bowl again.

by tommy v on Dec 28, 2011 1:22 PM CST reply actions

wow - i'll have what she's having

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 28, 2011 1:24 PM CST up reply actions

indeed...

"How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a football over them mountains?"

by jack_casse on Dec 28, 2011 2:01 PM CST up reply actions

ditto

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 28, 2011 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

You just gotta BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson

by BRSaintsFan on Dec 28, 2011 3:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

First of all, it may be that Payton is saying this simply in order to make it more difficult for the Panthers to game plan. After all, if they have to play Chase Daniel instead…well, maybe not.

But in all seriousness, there is a good reason NOT to rest Brees, and it has nothing to do with a record. If San Francisco wins, we’ll be playing again in a week’s time. I’m not worried that Brees—and the rest of the offense—might not be rested if they play. I’m worried they might not be sharp if they don’t play. Let them play, dig that groove deeper, and stay in it.

And besides…any of you guys remember opening up a carton of chocolate milk when you were a kid, taking a big swig, and realizing too late that you were swallowing chunks? That’s what it will be like if Brady passes Brees.

"Mercedes Numbah One."
--unidentified Khmer Rouge punk Saints fan

by MtnExile on Dec 28, 2011 1:56 PM CST reply actions

rotoworld.com:

In a conference call with Carolina reporters Wednesday, Saints coach Sean Payton said Drew Brees will play in Week 17. We wouldn’t put much stock in this. Payton could change his mind later in the week, or on game day pull Brees after a couple of possessions. There is very little chance that he would play four quarters. Expect to see quite a bit of Chase Daniel, Chris Ivory, and Adrian Arrington against the Panthers.
Source: Joe Person on Twitter
Dec 28 – 2:49 PM

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 2:08 PM CST reply actions

Don't like the sound of that one bit,

if thats the case hope Brees will put up some big numbers while on the field to give himself some cushion. It would be a damn shame for Brady to steal it out from under him!

Fee-fi-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive, or be he dead
I'll grind his bones to make my bread

by jonrockets on Dec 28, 2011 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Which means that Tom Brady, who is only 190 yards behind Brees currently

Pull Brees after he throws for about 200 yards. 3rd quarter.

It's easy to see that you are one of us
Ain't it funny how we all seem to look the same?

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

Yep....sounds like a plan

You're such an inspiration for all the ways that I will never, ever choose to be-Maynard James Keenan

by AcquiredPanic on Dec 28, 2011 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

Do you guys think Tom Brady can’t throw for 391 yards against Buffalo?

Drew needs to play the whole game, and keep throwing. Besides…as much as I hate Carolina, I have to admit their offense can be potent if you slack off and don’t pay them any respect. We may need 35 points.

"Mercedes Numbah One."
--unidentified Khmer Rouge punk Saints fan

by MtnExile on Dec 28, 2011 8:47 PM CST up reply actions

Do you guys think Tom Brady can’t throw for 391 yards against Buffalo?

Yeah, that’s right. He won’t.

Hello, hello Dad, hi, I'm in jail
Say hi to Mom!! From jail!

by stujo4 on Dec 28, 2011 10:17 PM CST up reply actions

Respect is the key word here

I believe (it’s my story and I’m sticking to it) two of our three losses this year have been a result of not respecting the opponent for that given sunday. GB was the only (real) loss this year. IMHO

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 28, 2011 11:16 PM CST up reply actions

I expect to see Chase

I don’t know about the quite a bit part.

Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Dec 28, 2011 2:17 PM CST up reply actions

We’ll see Chase in the first half-on extra points!

( ba da boom!)
/rimshot

"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson

by BRSaintsFan on Dec 28, 2011 3:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

stat correction

Which means that Tom Brady, who is only 199 yards behind Brees currently, is probably going to play and could potentially “pass” him up and become the new all-time single-season passing yards leader should Drew play only an unproductive half or so.

Nit here, but Brady is 190 yards behind Drew, not 199.

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!
WHO DAT?!
TWO DAT!!

by LA_No1_SaintFan on Dec 28, 2011 3:01 PM CST reply actions

So if Drew plays the first half and puts up 250 yds, Brady will need 440 yds. And Brady passed for 500+ in a game early this season (first game?).

I don’t like this at all.

"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson

by BRSaintsFan on Dec 28, 2011 3:29 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Thank you!

Drew Brees – 5,087
Tom Brady – 4,897
Difference – 190

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by Dave Cariello on Dec 28, 2011 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

I see the wisdom of both arguments so I'm doing the only sensible thing

flipping a coin.

Friends don't let friends Tweet.

by Just 'Nother Day on Dec 28, 2011 3:43 PM CST reply actions

I'm so tired of Brees not getting credit where credit is due

For that reason alone I do not want Brady to pass him.

Would Brady get pulled for any reason?

by SarahT on Dec 28, 2011 4:06 PM CST reply actions

Yes

If they had their game locked up, they would probably pull him.

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by Dave Cariello on Dec 28, 2011 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

Do you think Belicheat learned from the Welker injury?

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Dec 28, 2011 4:54 PM CST up reply actions

The problem is the Patriots defense has been so weak, I’m not sure how much of a lead they would have to have before they felt they had their game locked up. Adding to the problem is the fact they have an early game and the teams that could possibly unseat them from the 1 seed position don’t play until mid-afternoon. As they don’t have a scoreboard to watch, their mindset will be they have to win.

Taking all of this into account, Brady is likely to play most, if not all, of the game against Buffalo regardless of the score (particularly if breaking the week old record is a possibility).

My guess is that Brees will play at least three quarters unless he has an incredibly great first half.

ps – having our first undefeated home record wouldn’t be bad either.

by Drew-Dat on Dec 28, 2011 8:12 PM CST up reply actions

as a Panthers fan, I say have Brees go at it

if you want the #2 seed then go get it. I had no problem at all with having Brees going for the record in the last game and I won’t have a problem if Brees wants to tack on another 500 yds in this one either. The bottom line is if you don’t want someone trashing on you, don’t let them. Realistically, I’d think Payton might pull him out if they lock up their spot or Brady is nowhere near reaching Brees’ record – no sense in pushing the record beyond that with the playoffs at stake.

by vitzeng on Dec 28, 2011 10:37 PM CST reply actions

Panthers Fan

Im going to this game to see history. Every completion by each QB will extend a record! Cam needs 107 yards to reach 4000 and I want to see Drew keep the record over Brady. Perfect day for me, high scoring game with Kasay missing a FG as time expires.

by doncarolina on Dec 29, 2011 9:21 AM CST reply actions

Wow

That’s pretty damn impressive for the rookie. I didn’t realize he was so close to 4,000 yards. He will get that for sure. Plus with his rushing ability you have to have yourself a good case of the happy giggles.

I like Hamburgers!

by Grumps on Dec 29, 2011 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

we'll have to see if we can muster up any kryptonite

or maybe break Clark Kent’s glasses so he can’t see so well when studying the pre-snap photos on the sideline…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 29, 2011 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Too Funny

I wish you guys success. I would love to see the NFC South win the Super Bowl, even if the Panthers aren’t in the playoffs. Building our team to beat the Saints is a good way to ensure we are contenders!

by doncarolina on Dec 29, 2011 2:50 PM CST up reply actions