The chips were pushed all-in for the Saints 2020 season, but they got busted out the playoffs in a 4th straight gut-churning postseason.
Third in a row at home.
“They just went through a four year period where, if I just would look back and go, oh, they could have won one, two, three Super Bowls, that I don't think that would be an overstatement,” 2x time Super Bowl winning quarterback Phil Simms told WWL’s Sports Talk.
“Once again, this year, I really think there were as tough and as powerful and as big; all those things, the depth on the defensive line, everything. This was a team that was Super Bowl ready and it didn't bounce their way. Tampa, give them credit but, there was some breaks in that game that went against New Orleans. And, that was the difference between maybe winning a Super Bowl and getting beat in that playoff game by Tampa.”
That game vs. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers might also be final time we see Drew Brees take the field. The Saints future-Hall-of-Fame QB will announce his decision in the coming weeks after Sunday’s big game and the general feeling is that the 42-year old will call it a career after 20 seasons in the NFL
“I would never look at Drew Brees and say a word about him that, oh, he only won one Super Bowl.” Simms said.
“There’s are many things that factor into being that Super Bowl winner and it didn't work out perfectly. But, he was an unbelievable competitor, preparation guy. Everything he did in the NFL, he deserved. He worked for it.”
Things have worked out a tad more perfectly on the field for Tom Brady. He’s getting ready to play in his 10th Super Bowl. Simms says Drew Brees is the same guy.
“Him and Tom Brady probably, you know, I covered so many quarterbacks, but those guys probably have as big a chip on their shoulder as any quarterbacks I ever covered. And, that's why they were great.”
Does Simms see Brady getting a 7th diamond studded ring taking on Patrick Mahomes and the defending champion Chiefs?
“For Tampa Bay to win, they need to dominate with their defensive line. Yes, the Chiefs are a little beat up on their offensive line.
It's not great and it really was never great. But, it's always masked by the great skill positions and the quarterback and the play call and play design. I really think Tampa Bay's front four really has to dominate the offensive line of the Kansas City Chiefs to give them the best chance to win.”
WWL will begin carrying Westwood One’s Super Bowl 55 coverage starting at 1pm Sunday. Kickoff between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Raymond James Stadium comes at 5:30pm.