There are a lot of cliches in sports. One of them is that someone "makes everyone around them better". That is absolutely true of Drew Brees. The Saints signed him yesterday to the biggest contract in NFL history, a title that won't last long. Aaron Rodgers is up next and he'll top it. It is the order of things. Drew makes his offensive lineman better because he recognizes defenses and directs them to the hot spot but mostly he makes them better because he doesn't get sacked that often. He gets rid of the ball. He makes his tight ends and wide receivers better because he's so ridiculously accurate. He places the ball where his guy can always make a play. He trusts them and they know it. He makes his running backs better because defenses rarely place more than 5 or 6 guys "in the box". Most of their carries come against pass defenses. He brings intelligence, leadership, great footwork, an amazing arm, preparation, and a tremendous work ethic to the table. Big contract, yes. Still a bargain.
The only curious thing about the contract is what took so long. I'm told that big contracts are complex and there's the salary cap, guarantees, etc but the numbers were pretty much known more than a year ago. Everything else was nitpicking. By all accounts, though, it is extremely cap friendly for its size. Credit to all for that.
To quote Drew Brees,: "The season can't get here fast enough".
5 song iTunes shuffle:
- Lonesome Town - Ricky Nelson - Pulp Fiction Soundtrack
- Back In The Saddle - Aerosmith - Rocks
- In The Light - Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti
- My Wife - The Who - Who's Next
- The Saints Are Coming (Live from the SuperDome in New Orleans) - U2 & Green Day - The Saints Are Coming (Live)
Quote of the Day
There’s no doubt about it: This deal was the only acceptable outcome in New Orleans. If Brees can turn in another eye-popping 2012 and carry the Saints to the playoffs amid the unwanted bounty attention, the $100 million price tag will feel like a bargain.
Blog of the day is here.
Quote from said blog: "Fundamentalists often criticize the Catholic Church’s practice of baptizing infants."
I knew that news would please you and pretty much every other Saints fan. And the second best thing is that it's cap friendly. Brees knows he needs his supporting cast too. Not all NFL stars are smart enough to think that way.
He's, by far, the best player they've ever had, Dave. The Saints HAD to get this one right. I think they did. The offense is in good hands. The defense will be in new hands. The season is not lost. :)