The Broncos will play the Saints on Sunday for the first time in four seasons, and although the team that steps on the field at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Sunday is an unfamiliar opponent, the man under center is not.
Current Saints quarterback Drew Brees was the signal caller for the rival San Diego Chargers for five seasons from 2001-2005.
Photo: Getty Images
Brees has a 3-5 record as a starting quarterback against the Broncos. But as good of a passer Brees was with the Chargers, Champ Bailey said he is an even better one with the Saints.
“He is a different person from back then,” Bailey said. “It seems like he never got settled in San Diego. The move that he made to New Orleans — I think its great for his career — because he has definitely blossomed into a great quarterback.”
Photo: Eric Lars Bakke
In his two seasons in the Big Easy Brees has been the league leader and league runner-up in passing yards. He was second only to Tom Brady last season.
Bailey said Brees production stems from added confidence.
“He is playing with a lot of confidence,” he said. “He trusts himself a lot. I think the coaches believe in him and I think that is part of the game because in order to be successful you need people that believe in you.”
Photo: Getty Images
Brees isn’t the only Saint that the Broncos have some familiarity with. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton and Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan are both alums of Eastern Illinois.
Payton, like Shanahan, was thrust into the NFL ranks at a fairly early age for coaches.
“Sean has always been a great quarterback,” Shanahan said. “He went to the NFL very quickly and he has done a heck of a job. He is sharp I really admire what he does with his offense and he is a guy that has always been ahead of the curve.”
Both Shanahan and Payton have been praised for their ability to direct their respective offenses.
“I think most coaches have some similar philosophies,” Shanahan said. “Obviously theirs is a little different than ours but he has been very successful in what he is doing. A quarterback has a good feel for defenses, does a great job in play selection and calling plays. He is a guy if you aren’t on top of your game you are going to be exposed.”
Some have speculated that Sunday’s matchup has the potential to be a let down game for the Broncos, but Bailey doesn’t see it that way especially with the Saints being such a high caliber team with their fire power on offense.
“I think you do have to emphasize that every team is good in this league,” he said. “New Orleans is a good team. They were in the NFC championship a couple years ago with pretty much the same team. They can come in here and put it on us if we are not ready.”
NALEN OUT FOR SUNDAY
Veteran center Tom Nalen will be held out of his third straight contest this week.
“I felt like after watching him practice the last couple of days that it’s not in his best interest to practice,” Shanahan said. “You watch a guy practice for 14 years; you know when he is hurting. I thought it was best to give him a couple days rest.”
SAINTS WAIVE McKINLEY
Former Bronco Alvin McKinley was released by the Saints Friday to make room for the signing of quarterback Joey Harrington.
-Jake Grilley, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Champ Bailey, Jake Grilley, Mike Shanahan, New Orleans Saints
I know Mike is giving Tom every chance to make it back, but IMO I think it is time for both of them to discuss retirement. With Casey and Kory I think the center position is in good hands. Plus Hamilton has also played center.
With the move, we could put another defensive player into the learning mix.
LETS HOPE CULTLER CAN KEEP UP HIS TERROR ON THE OTHER D. HOPEFULLY THEY CAN CONTAIN REGGIE BUSH, BRONCOS 34 SAINTS 17, CUTLER FOR MVP.
cutler 4 mvp and brees booty lickin king
As of Sunday afternoon at 5:30, Drew Brees will be 3-6 against the Broncos. Payton runs an impressive offensive scheme but it mirrors Shanahan’s, so our defense should be ready to make some key plays while the offense continues to roll along unhindered. I think a 38-20 win is probable for the Broncos.
anybody hear anything about the status of b marsh’s battery charge? i just hope that goodell knew about this possible charge before and no new suspensions will be coming
from what i’ve heard , BM won’t be fined anymore and hopefully he won’t because we need this guy and he need to stay out of trouble . As for sunday game , i expect the defense to step up vs the saints , if we want to go deep in the playoffs , we need to have a big D !
bmarsha111,
From what reports show that Goodell knew about the possible charge, and he won’t be suspended…for now!! If He is convicted, then yeah I think they would suspend him. But it seems like his psycho ex-girlfriend is trying to get money out of him again and Goodell knew all about it, so I wouldn’t worry about it.
Sounds like his psycho ex is related to my psycho ex. Seriously!!!!
Also my authentic Plummer jersey is in the shop this week getting the 6 turned upside down. Next week I will be wearing my new Eddie Royal jersey so all of you bloggers that still have there Plummer jerseys collecting dust in the closet, just turn it into a Eddie Royal jersey..SWEET
Aren’t we wearing our Orange jerseys today?
Yes, we are!
can some one post a live feed when the game starts? the west coast keeps showing the chokeland faiders games……three in a row on tv
Where is jarvis does any one know how he got hert and where is he hert
our defense looks terrible and if they don’t step it up, then these close games are going to start going the other way…….