Although this is a favorable matchup for Drew Brees, there may be a reason to sit the star quarterback on the bench for one more week. Since Brees’s thumb was injured while playing the Los Angeles Rams, the New Orleans Saints have progressed to 6-1.
The Saints remained positive that backup Teddy Bridgewater would step up and get the team some wins, but no one expected the amount of success that has transpired since Week 2. With Bridgewater starting the Saints have gone 5-0. Now heading into Week 8 conversation has sparked regarding Brees’s rumored return. If he does play, he’ll face Arizona Cardinals at home.
Drew Brees Should Sit Out Week 8
Sitting Gives Brees Two More Weeks of Rest
No one wants to sit Brees while they have the opportunity to play him, however for this week it may be in the team’s best interest. Since Brees’s exit, Bridgewater has led the Saints to victories against the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Chicago Bears. Many of these teams are likely tougher competition than the Cardinals, which leads to the belief that even without Brees the Saints should have an easy time beating Arizona this upcoming week.
Further, the Saints bye will fall in Week 9 this season, directly after the Cardinals matchup. This will give Brees two more weeks to fully heal his thumb and rest, as well as practice and warm back up to throwing. With the Saints being true Super Bowl contenders, a healthy Brees is key. If keeping Brees on the bench one more week leads to ensuring his health remains perfectly intact, it’s worth it.
Week 10 and Beyond
After the Saints Week 9 Bye, they have a pretty light remaining schedule. They face the Atlanta Falcons at home Week 10 and Buccaneers away Week 11. However, Week 12 the Saints have what is arguably one of their toughest remaining games. They will face the Carolina Panthers at home, who are currently 4-2. Not only is this a division matchup, but the Panthers have gone 4-0 with quarterback Kyle Allen since replacing an injured Cam Newton. Brees will need to be at full health for this matchup.
Following Weeks 10-12, the Saints face both the Falcons and Panthers a second time as well as the San Francisco 49ers, Tennesse Titans, and Indianapolis Colts. The 6-1 Saints should realistically not fall below an overall 12-4 record at the absolute worst. This essentially guarantees New Orleans will make it to the playoffs where a pristine Brees will be needed.
Overall Outlook
If taking the next two weeks off for Brees ensures his full health for the remainder of the season, it is worth it. A healthy Brees could be the difference between going 12-4 or 14-2, maybe even 15-1. This could be huge when considering playoff placements and a first-round bye. Regardless of the decision to sit or start Brees in Week 8, the Saints are in a prime position for the playoffs and should be a fun team to watch the second half of the season.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
