RealGM Football: The Red Zone - Be The GM: Brees Vs. Ruud

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Be The GM: Brees Vs. Ruud

Authored by Andrew Perna - 18th August, 2009 - 9:29 am

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Tuesday's battle marks the final first-round matchup in the NFC. Only Adrian Peterson and Matt Ryan are running away with their respective battles, while the remaining tilts could still go either way.

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Saints quarterback Drew Brees faces off against Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Ruud in today's matchup.

Why Brees Is A Franchise Player

There is no doubt that Brees is a franchise-caliber player. He is sometimes left out of the conversation involving the game's best quarterbacks, but is right up there with the likes of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

He's one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league and throws a very catchable ball. The Saints haven't always had the greatest offensive line or set of receivers, but Brees simply keeps on ticking. After missing a few games early in his career, he's answered questions about his durability by playing a full slate in four consecutive seasons.

Brees threw for 5,069 yards in 2008, coming within 16 yards of breaking Dan Marino's single-season record. His average production over the last four years is 4,400 yards, 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In addition, his touchdown and yardage numbers have increased in each of the last three seasons.

Why Ruud Is A Franchise Player

Ruud has emerged as one of the league's best middle linebackers over the last two years. He has 251 tackles, nine pass deflections, four interceptions and three forced fumbles combined over the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

He is a versatile player, able to both blitz and drop back in coverage effectively. He always seems to be around the football and is a very effective tackler.

In terms of age, Ruud is four years younger than Brees. Starting a franchise with a 30-year-old quarterback isn't a bad idea, especially when you are talking about Brees, but you'd get more mileage out of the 26-year-old linebacker.

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Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM's Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com

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