As this blog segment continues on, I feel it is appropriate to conclude it with a special segment. I initially did not feel I would be covering any highly seasoned NFL quarterbacks, and even mentioned that in one of my own blog posts from months ago. However, I feel it is important to cover the aspects of all types of quarterbacks in the league. Just because a quarterback has been in the league longer does not necessarily mean they are the better quarterback. So, for a few posts, let’s get into some longtime NFL starting quarterbacks. Drew Brees has been part of the New Orleans Saints for his entire career, which has spanned since the 2001 season.

A picture, captured by Sports Illustrated, showing Drew Brees with a concentrated gaze as he is surrounded by the colors of the New Orleans Saints football team.

So, with all this time in the league, how has his career really turned out? Let’s take a look at his stats and characteristics.

1. He has had an above average ratio of touchdowns to interceptions thrown, and has a nearly record high for the amount of touchdowns thrown.

For every nine touchdowns thrown, on average, Drew Brees will throw four interceptions. Even though above average does not necessarily mean elite status, the amount of touchdowns he has thrown holds the current record for second place (circa 2018), with his total of 520 touchdowns thrown. That is the best of the best, and it really is tough to get better than that.

2. He has an aggressive offense

This is a good thing, if the offense of producing yards and scoring plays. While Drew Brees currently holds the most passing yards in NFL history, which is already good, the New Orleans Saints have one of the best track records for total offensive production overall. With Brees also having a pass completion percentage of 67.3%, is truly doing quite well for how many years he has been playing in the league.

3. He has a weak view in the pocket, but an intelligent vision for his passes.

Drew Brees has a very predictable strengths in his vision on the field. He has been known to be easy to tackle in the pocket, and yet has been known to consistently find the open wide receiver when throwing a pass. However this is still more of a problem because those accurate pass looks do not do much help when you are getting sacked over and over before you can even get off the pass. If Drew Brees learns to divide his vision between the pocket and the outfield, then he may have a more appropriate balance to make more positive offensive plays.

Overall, I think Drew Brees is a very polished quarterback, and a quarterback that has not wasted anytime to show how he can improve too. One example of that alone is his QBR, shown on this chart that gives his entire career stats. Basically, he never hit his peak too early unlike many other NFL quarterbacks that bust early in their careers. With his records and electric offense also in mind, I truly think Drew Brees has demonstrated he is right for the QB hype.