Will Drew Brees be the same without Sean Payton on the sidelines?
Rizzla: Yes, Drew Brees will be the same. I do not expect him to have the best passing season in NFL history once again but Brees will not miss a step with Payton not on the sidelines this year. Brees helped Payton create the offense and the interim head coaches have pledged to keep the status quo. In addition offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is still in town. I do not see him threatening his NFL passing yards record as they may lean a little more heavily on the run with a healthy Mark Ingram ready for 1,000 rushing yards and 10+ rushing TD’s, but Drew Brees will continue to be Drew Brees.
Zach: I think he can be close, but I don’t see Brees having the same season as far as fantasy numbers with Payton gone. Brees can handle himself and knows everything there is to know about running an offense, but sometimes it takes an extra pair of eyes from the sideline to really give an offense an extra advantage. Payton has a great football mind and he and Brees have really bonded in New Orleans. Brees will have another great fantasy season, but it won’t be the same as 2011.
J-Has: From a win-loss perspective, the New Orleans Saints will suffer from missing coach Payton. From a fantasy perspective, Drew Brees should continue to provide first round worthy statistics. That being said, a slight regression from his career high 46-touchdown year in 2011 is expected with the floor being his 2010 season of 33 TDs. Overall Brees should remain among the top three QBs (along with Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady) in the NFL.
