There have been a few feel good stories in the NFL this year, including the comeback of Chad Pennington that took the Jets back to the postseason, the utter destruction of defenses by LaDainian Tomlinson and the utter destruction of offenses by the Baltimore Ravens.   As the 2006-2007 opened, all eyes focused on what the new season would hold for the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints began the season as the sob story of all time—a franchise displaced last season by Hurricane Katrina—returning home after a season completely on the road.   This time last season, pundits were arguing it would be in the best interests of both the city and the team for the Saints to leave for good.

The Saints not only didn’t leave New Orleans, they retooled for success.   They signed former Chargers’ quarterback, Drew Brees, fresh off shoulder surgery that rebuilt his rotator cuff.   They signed the biggest college draft pick in many years in Reggie Bush.   Oh yeah, they also drafted some kid from Hofstra in the seventh round—fourth from last—named Marques Colston.

The results?   Drew Brees not only proved his shoulder was fine, but he had a career year.   Many wonder what contributed to his stellar success.

Actually, when you look at Brees’ 2006 season, you shouldn’t be that surprised by his success.   His numbers from 2005 and 2006 are quite comparable.   He had a 64.6 percent completion percentage in 2005, compared to 64.3 in 2006.   He threw 24 touchdowns in 2005, compared to 26 in 2006.   He reduced his interceptions from 15 to 11.   He raised his quarterback rating from 89.2 to 96.2.   The biggest difference?   He passed for almost nine hundred more yards in 2006, throwing a total of 4,418.

Brees has had much to celebrate this season (Photo courtesy of AP).

The numbers demonstrate Brees’ shoulder is completely healed.   They also demonstrate his decision making process has improved with experience with the reduction in interceptions.   His increase in passing yards in attributable, in part, to the increase of receiving weapons he has around him in New Orleans compared to San Diego.

Consider there were four Saints receivers with over six hundred yards receiving.   Joe Horn, the long-time receiving star of the club, was fourth of the top four with 679 yards on only 37 catches in 10 games.   Reggie Bush set a rookie record for receptions with 88 for 742 yards.   Third year receiver Devery Henderson played in 13 games, only starting 7, catching 32 balls for an incredible 745 yards and 5 touchdowns.   That seventh-round draft pick, Colston, caught 70 passes for 1,038 yards in only 14 games.  People talk about the depth of Cincinnati’s and Indianapolis’ receiver corps, but when you have two rookie receivers with 1,780 yards between them, plus Horn and Henderson, Brees clearly benefited from the best receiver corps in the NFL.

Brees also benefited from a tremendous running game.   Deuce McAllister rebounded from his injury shortened 2005 season to post 1,057 yards and 10 touchdowns.   Add to that Bush’s 565 yards and 6 touchdowns.   The tandem may not be LaDainian Tomlinson, but certainly adds enough of a ground threat to allow Brees, assisted by an excellent offensive line, to be a precise, accurate quarterback.   In fact, Brees was only sacked 18 times in 16 games during the 2006 season, compared to 27 times with the weaker Chargers offensive line of 2005.

The Saints defense contributed greatly to Brees’ success, as well.   The Saints offense generated an astounding 6,264 yards this season, compared to the opponents’ total of 4,917.   More impressive, the Saints recorded an impressive 38 season sacks, compared to their opponents’ 23.   Possibly most impressive, the Saints offense converted 44.9 percent of their third downs, while holding their opponents to a mere 34.7.   When the defensive stats are that mismatched, Brees and company will always have plenty of opportunities to control the game and make big plays.

  Please email comments to Greg Stephens at gstep77507@aol.com