January 6, 2009 Quarterback Drew Brees has been named as The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, the AP reports. He earned 22 of the 50 votes and beat out Philip Rivers, DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner, and Steve Smith. Brees passed for 5,069 yards during the season, which is the second-best mark of all-time.
Our View:Congrats to Drew, who excelled despite injuries to Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, and Reggie Bush. Brees is likely to sit atop the fantasy quarterback rankings entering 2009. Also, isn't it odd that Rivers and Williams finished second and third in this voting but didn't make the Pro Bowl?
December 28, 2008 Quarterback Drew Brees completed 30-of-49 passes for 386 yards with four touchdowns against one interception in the Week 17 loss to Carolina.
Our View:Despite falling short of Dan Marino's record (5,084), Brees still became only the second quarterback in league history with 5,000 passing yards in a season, finishing with 5,069. The Purdue product will go into 2009 as the No. 1 signal caller in fantasy football, and rightfully so given the pass heavy tendencies of the Saints' offensive scheme.
December 22, 2008 The New Orleans Times Picayune reports that the Saints will not change their strategy in Week 17, even though Drew Brees is only 401 yards away from tieing Dan Marino's single season record for passing yards.
Our View:Brees already attempts as many passes per game as any quarterback, and don't be surprised for him to make several long throws in the game. Brees remains one of the strongest plays at his position in the season's final week.
December 21, 2008 ESPN reports that Drew Brees surpassed 300 passing yards for ninth time this season, and had his fifth straight game with at least two touchdown passes. He needs 402 yards in the Saints final game to break the NFL record for yards in a season.
Our View:This feat becomes even more impressive when you take into account that three of his best receivers - Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, and Jeremy Shockey - have all missed significant time with injuries.
December 21, 2008 Drew Brees completed 30-of-40 pass attempts for 351 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions in a 42-7 blowout over the Lions in Week 16.
Our View:His great performance wasn't surprising considering the opponent, but the Lions really didn't put up any sort of fight in the game. Brees rounds out his terrific fantasy season with what should be an interesting Week 17 matchup against Carolina, who will likely be sitting some players while getting ready for the playoffs.
