Sitting at 0-3 entering Sunday night's game against the Cowboys, the Saints know they'll need more than just Drew Brees' return to get their season turned around. But they'd rather take their chances with the franchise QB than without him.
After missing last week's loss to the Panthers with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 2, Brees is in line to start against Dallas, coach Sean Payton said Friday.
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"Based on the work week and the reps, he’s thrown well. I thought he looked sharp today," Payton told reporters following practice. "… I said this last week and this week again: Each day you just pay attention to how he’s functioning. He looked crisp today, so I think he’s going to end up starting."
Payton said Brees has made clear progress during practice as the week has unfolded, including throwing the ball downfield effectively.
Of course, getting Brees back in the lineup is no guarantee of success, considering that he presided over losses to the Cardinals and Buccaneers to open the season. And keep in mind that backup Luke McCown was no slouch in Carolina, completing 31 of 38 passes for 310 yards last week.
To Payton, it's about the entire roster figuring out a way to raise its level and secure the first win of the season.
"I think the spark doesn't necessarily come just from the QB," Payton said. "I think the spark comes from each player understanding and executing their assignment. Certainly there’s a sense of urgency in a game like this when you’re sitting there in an early hole like we’re at. It’s up to each player to get ready to play and execute the scheme."
