I talked to Drew Brees just after one of the roughest games of his career. Drew talked of the missed opportunities and mistakes made in the 23-13 loss to Atlanta.
"Unfortunately, the turnovers just overshadow everything, they usually do. We were so good in so many other situations," Brees said. "Defensively, third down, was awesome. They held the Falcons to 1 of 11, that's championship football. We had numerous occasions, where we'd drive the ball, then there would be a turnover, a critical mistake that would cost us points. That can't happen in a game like this. You've got to take advantage of every opportunity you get to win the game and seal the deal."
I also asked him about the clock-management issue at the end of the first half that saw the Saints walk away with no points on the board. Drew said that was on him.
"I thought we had more time. I was watching the clock, I was trying to be strategic with how we were managing it. I saw 17 seconds, then next thing you know, the ball is complete, and it's 7 seconds. I thought we had more time, but obviously in hindsight, that's a ball that needs to be complete in the end zone or thrown out of the end zone, at least give yourself another shot, or another field goal opportunity.
In his initial post-game comments, and speaking with me, #9 shouldered the burden of the blame for the loss.
"A lot of those things fall on me, it's my responsibility, I know that. My belief in this team and myself and confidence level is unwavering. You know, it hurts, it definitely hurts. It's kind of heartbreaking to lose the way we have the last two weeks, especially when you feel like you're in large part responsible. I've got to get better, and I will. I'll respond, because that's the only way I know how.
