The game of football…a game of inches…a game of seconds - a dynamic game which changes for all sorts of reasons. The Saints yesterday in Los Angeles experienced all of the above, then some. One thing the Saints have not experienced is the possibility of not having Drew Brees, the quarterback, the leader and the pulse of the team, available at the ready to play. Hence, the challenge we face today.
You know I love maxim, “the entity’s interest always outweighs the individual’s.” Never is that more true than now. The entity’s leader is Sean Payton. We trusted him when he brought Drew here in spite of many having their doubts. We trusted him when he played musical chairs with the offensive line, when the injuries were stacking. We trusted Coach Payton when we won games that were burdened with adversity. (Some of the most fun wins I might add.) And, now we must trust Sean Payton as we move past Drew, while he rehabs for whatever time period the medical experts suggest. I said move past…not forget - every game Drew Brees misses, the natural tendency will be to ask, what if Drew had played?
A new leader must emerge for the sake of the entity. Whether Bridgewater or Hill or both is of no moment. I will place my trust in Saints head coach Sean Payton and I hope the Who Dat Nation will do so as well. The sooner the better, quite frankly. It needs to happen right now…that faith…that belief…from the Saints loyal fans - for the entity’s sake - for the sake of the team.
The starting quarterback has to feel the support of the team and the strength of resilience of the Who Dat Nation. I am confident Drew feels the same way. Why? Because he is a credible leader and through this adversity lies the opportunity for yet another to emerge.
Coach Payton, I will follow you into the bowels of the challenge, because history tells the story of leadership. I believe in the man…the team…who believed in Drew in 2006…who got us past the challenges of Katrina…who won us a Super Bowl. I will follow you…for those reasons and, if for nothing more than just curiosity.
