Drew Brees is an analyst now, and despite a large percentage of Saints fans who might want him back in a helmet and jersey -- it ain't happening.
But he will be back in the Caesars Superdome this week for the first time, calling the game alongside Mike Tirico and being honored on the field at halftime. He's been outspoken in his new role about the Saints' struggles on offense, and had the perfect response when asked what he'd say to New Orleans football fans who might be looking for more "complimentary" takes from the Saints legend.
"Well, if they give me something to be complimentary about," Brees said, "I'll be complimentary."
The comment was made in jest and with a laugh as Brees spoke to reporters Tuesday morning, but it did cut right to the heart of what's been glaringly obvious for a Saints team that's dropped three games in a row leading into a Thanksgiving showdown with the Buffalo Bills, the team's first 3-game losing streak since the start of the 2016 season. All three of those games have featured Trevor Siemian at quarterback, and with the Saints falling into a deep hole with each rally attempt falling just short.
In an interview earlier this year, Brees admitted it was difficult analyzing Saints games, because he's always rooting for them. That's where his heart is, he said. But still, he understands he has a job to do, and he thinks a majority of fans appreciate that he doesn't sugarcoat things.
"They're in a really tough spot just because they have so many injuries, on the offensive side of the ball, mainly," Brees said. "They just don't have much continuity. ... They just have to find a way to start games faster."
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Brees said his family will also be in attendance for the game, his first chance to really address fans since his retirement. The future Hall of Famer called it a career after the 2020 season, with his final games played in front of either no crowd or a stadium under strict capacity limits. He said he's confident he'll be able to remain objective, having dealt with a similar situation earlier this year. He's been on the call with Tirico for Notre Dame games this season, one of which featured his alma mater Purdue.
"I was asked the same question," Brees said, "and I was able to stay objective."
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