Drew Brees was the story line going into week 5’s Monday Night Football game, with the all-time career passing yards record in NFL history on the line. However, before the game in his pump up speech, he refused to put the spotlight on himself. “This game is about us!” he told teammates.
It’s true. The Saints defeated the Washington Redskins, who were coming off a bye week, 43-19 on Prime Time national television. Drew may have set the all-time passing record Monday night, but his team just solidified themselves as the team to beat in the NFC, winning their fourth straight game and improving to 4-1.
This isn’t a pushover Washington Redskins team either. They were 2-1 going into this game, being led by veteran quarterback and former first overall draft pick Alex Smith. The aging Adrian Peterson is having a career year at running back. The Saints dismantling the ‘Skins the way that they did is truly impressive.
Now, it’s time for this week’s Game Balls.
Game Ball One: WR Tre’Quan Smith
The Saints rookie third round pick from UCF thrust his name into the spotlight, putting together one hell of a performance with his new team. Drew Brees broke the all time passing record with a long bomb to this man, a 62 yard pass late in the second quarter that put the Saints up 26-6.
He wasn’t done yet. Smith brought in another touchdown pass in the opening drive of the second half, this one from 35 yards out. He finished this game catching every target, 3 catches for 111 yards and the two long scores. Smith looked like a budding star Monday night. What a time to shine.
Game Ball Two: DE Marcus Davenport
Another Saint’s rookie, this time the first round pick. Davenport isn’t a starter yet, still splitting time with Alex Okafor, but Davenport played 57% of the defensive snaps, and strip sacked Alex Smith in the third quarter that set up a field goal early in the fourth.
Davenport is slowly seeing his playing time increase and he is cashing in on it. His strip sack on Smith was his second sack of the year. He defended a pass as well, and collected 3 more tackles. He is slowly blooming into an elite player and is showing flashes of massive potential.
Game Ball Three: QB Drew Brees
We like to save the best for last in this series, and how else can you avoid it? Drew Brees was the story going into Monday Night, and he didn’t disappoint. His stat line was simply elite, as he completed 26 of his 29 pass attempts for 363 yards and 3 touchdowns, scoring a 153.2 passer rating.
Brees put on his showtime performance for Monday Night, and gave us a set of memories that we will truly never forget. The rest of the world may not want to admit it, but Drew, you’re the GOAT around here.
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