:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67090998/1183111881.jpg.0.jpg)
Bringing back a series of pieces from the past three years, we’re going to check each position group on the New Orleans Saints and discuss how they improve the Saints’ chances of making a run in 2020. On to the most important position on offense, quarterback!
To view previous parts, see below:
Drew Brees has been the New Orleans Saints quarterback since 2006. For the sixth time in his career, Brees led the league in completion percentage, completing 74.3% of his passes. He passed for “only” 2,979 yards, the second time in his New Orleans career he finished with less than 4,000 passing yards, but he only played in 11 games, with Teddy Bridgewater starting five games while Brees missed time due to a thumb injury. After some delay, Drew Brees announced he was returning for at least one more season, the Saints extended Taysom Hill, but Teddy Bridgewater left the Saints to become a starter for the Carolina Panthers.
So here’s why they’re better in 2020:
Yes, Drew Brees is another year older, and Father Time is clearly against him. But Saints fans should be fortunate for Tom Brady, now of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 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 2019, Brady passed for over 4,000 yards despite having arguably the worst supporting case on offense he’s had in his entire career.
Brees is also the beneficiary of an improved supporting cast around him. The addition of Emmanuel Sanders and what Sanders can provide from the slot should go a long way for helping Drew’s overall numbers . He has a top offensive line to protect him and what should be (spoiler alert) an improved defense to help get the ball back into his hands quicker.
If - heaven forbid - Brees is forced to miss time in 2020 or slumps due to age, the Saints have 2019’s passing leader, Jameis Winston, as a backup. In 2019, we also saw continued improvement from Taysom Hill, and he’s ready to return in 2020 to help the Saints as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, special teamer, hair dresser, and tire salesman.