NEW ORLEANS – Drew Brees found his rhythm a little too late on his return on Sunday from 11 broken ribs and a perforated lung.
The Brees began to go 0-for-6 with an interception in the 32-29 loss of the New Orleans Saints to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the first time in Brees’ 20-year career that he started a 0-for-5 game or worse, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Brees returned with a few big throws, including a 51-meter deep ball to Emmanuel Sanders, an impressive pressure drop for a 24-yard touchdown pass to Latavius Murray and a fourth-quarter TD pass to Alvin Kamara. and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
But he was eventually too sporadic – and the Saints exhausted themselves too much as they lost their second straight game and fell to 10-4.
“I’ll be honest. I think there are a few things I’m still working on. But that’s what it is,” Brees said.
The QB veteran laughed out loud when asked if he was 100%.
“No,” Brees replied – before adding, “but I’m on my way.”
He will have to return quickly in a short week before the Saints host the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
Brees – who missed the previous four games due to his injuries – finished 15 of 34 for 234 yards, while falling short in the first-team defense against Patrick Mahomes. His 44.4% completion rate was the third lowest of his career.
The Saints also finished 1-of-11 on the third descent.
It didn’t help the Saints to be so exhausted at a wide receiver. Michael Thomas and Deonte Harris were placed in the injured reserve on Saturday, and Tre’Quan Smith left the game early Sunday with an ankle injury.
“He wasn’t very effective in the passing game, obviously,” Brees said. “I would say it was a combination of forcing things on the field, instead of just taking a finish underneath, there were some mistakes and they hit us with some defensive looks, where you just have to throw the ball.”
When asked how he would react to the perception that he was either not ready to return or was too rusty, Brees pointed out that some of his first decisions and throws were just “a hair’s breadth.”
“I mean, listen, my first pass of the game, I should have thrown a check, we get the first down and we get a road. Instead, I tried to match one. [deep into heavy coverage to fellow QB Taysom Hill]”Brees said.”[But] There are things like that in every game. And we are a very effective crime. We are a high efficiency passing game. And so we’ll get back to that. “
When asked about Brees’ slow start, Saints coach Sean Payton said it was difficult to point to a single position.
“We felt our third numbers weren’t good enough today. We didn’t feel like we rolled the ball effectively when we tried,” Payton said. “Everyone will scream, ‘You have to run the ball 30 times.’ It is impossible if you do not convert on the third.
“So generally offensive, we weren’t very sharp.”
Brees said he has grown steadily physically in the last week or two. And when asked if the importance of Sunday’s game was part of his motivation for the return, Brees said: “Right now, every game is so important. In the long run, everyone is fighting for something. And everyone is fighting. to get on the field and put together our best efforts to help our team win and promote our playoff status. “
The Saints are now even more of a long shot to win the No. 1 spot in the NFC, since they would lose a draw to the Green Bay Packers (11-3). However, there is a scenario where the Saints could win a three-way tie at 12-4 with the Packers and Seattle Seahawks (10-4) as long as Green Bay lose another conference game in Week 17 in Chicago.
Payton has confirmed that the Saints’ goal is to bring Thomas back healthy for the play-offs after a one-season ankle injury continued to plague him. Thomas must miss the last three games of the regular season before he can return. “I think we’re doing the smart thing with Mike,” Payton said.
The Saints’ defense put up a brave effort against the crime of Muhammad and the Chiefs, but eventually ran out of gas, with Kansas City playing 92 offensive games and possessing the ball for 41 minutes and 14 seconds.
The Saints defensive back, Cameron Jordan, was also sent off late in the game for connecting with a fist to the Chiefs’ offensive attack, Andrew Wylie.
The replays showed Wylie tightening Jordan’s T-shirt and not letting go. Jordan tried to push him before throwing his fist; tried to explain to the officials to no avail.
Mahomes finished the 26-of-47 pass (55.3%) for 254 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. But he lost a beat on a sack in the fourth quarter. The saints also obtained security by forcing a beating on the way back, just before the break.