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| Walter A. Nesbeth III. 21st December, 2006 - 12:22 pm
 With the damage and pain inflicted by Hurricane Katrina and to a lesser level the scars of a ?3 ? 13? season still raw and present in the minds of New Orleans residents and players alike, the promise of the healing power of sports is taking effect in the form of quarterback Drew Brees.
The New Orleans Saints could not have picked a better time to bounce back. Led by Brees?s MVP caliber year and the surprise impact of rookie Marques Colston and third-year player Terrance Copper among others, the Saints have clinched a division title and have a chance to do some serious damage in the playoffs.
Note these examples, offensively, the Saints rank 1st in the NFL in Total Yards per Game and 3rd in 3rd down efficiency while being 4th from the best in the league in least penalty yardage. Defensively, they are 5th in lowest Total Passing Yardage, Average Passing Yards per Game and 8th in least penalties.
Football is the epitome of a team sport, but even in that structure there are those that receive more credit than others.
In the case of Brees, the credit may be understated. Brees coming off of shoulder surgery has bounced back and show that his right arm is just a good as ever. Is there anyone wondering if he is too short to be an NFL Quarterback now?
For years, the Saints relied on their defense to carry them and make up for any shortcomings that their talented, but erratic offense led by the enigmatic Aaron Brooks presented. In Brees, the Saints now have an offensive leader that inspires both the offense and defensive squads to come together as opposed to begrudgingly cover for one another.
There are still chapters in the book of the Saints 2006-07 season yet to be written, but if the ending is anywhere as good as the build-up, this season may turn out to be a best seller. |
