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Drew Brees is good at football.
In 2016, his age 37 season, Brees led the league in completions, passing yards, and passing yards per game. Brees had the highest QB Rating and most TDs in a season since 2013 (the last Saints’ winning season). He stayed under his career average in interception rate and was above his career average in yards per attempt. All in all, another great year for the face of the franchise.
Back-up QB Luke McCown wasn’t forced to start a game for the Saints in 2016, and decided to take his talents out of New Orleans in free agency (he has yet to sign on with a new team in 2017). To back up Drew Brees, the Saints brought back long-time back-up Chase Daniel from Philadelphia, with Philly on the hook for the majority of Daniel’s contract this season.
So here’s why they’re better in 2017:
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Yes, Drew Brees is another year older, and Father Time is clearly against him. But Saints fans should be fortunate for Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. With Tom Brady 19 months older than Drew Brees, every season Brady has held off Father Time, Brees is not in unchartered water for the next season. That being said, while both players are obviously different people, if or when Brady finally struggles and shows signs of age, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Brees face similar results the following season.
In 2016, Brady had a career-best interception percentage, a five-year high in touchdown rate, and averaged almost 300 yards per game - not really showing any signs of slowing down. Likewise, we shouldn’t be banking on a Brees decline any time soon.
Brees is also the beneficiary of an improved supporting cast around him. He’s got a better offensive line in front of him to protect him, a stronger running game to take the pressure off of him, and a defense that should get the ball back in his hands sooner.
If - heaven forbid - Brees is forced to miss time in 2017 or slumps due to age, Chase Daniel is a more than adequate back-up who could very well prove to be a starter in the NFL (not likely, but still). However, don’t hold your breath for Brees to show his age just yet.