Saints’ Drew Brees praised by Panthers’ Josh Norman, returns favor

Drew Brees was a topic of discussion Wednesday for the Carolina Panthers, as the New Orleans Saints’ legendary quarterback received high praise from division foe cornerback Josh Norman.  Of course, Brees returned the favor.

It’s no secret Drew Brees is doing great things for the New Orleans Saints in 2015, despite having no defense to back him up, a depleted offensive line, and little depth at the wide receiver position.

Unfortunately, Brees’ admirable campaign just isn’t enough, as the Saints sit at 4-7 and dead last in the NFC South with their unbeaten division rival in the Carolina Panthers next on the agenda.  But that doesn’t stop Panthers corner Josh Norman, who is playing as good as any defensive back in the NFL this year, from recognizing greatness.

According to Joe Person, the Panthers beat writer for The Charlotte Observer, Norman says he loves facing Drew Brees, calling him a class act and a sure Hall-of-Famer.

It is without question Drew Brees has had a remarkable career for the Saints up to this point, earning nine Pro Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl title, and countless NFL records.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame is indeed in his future, no questions asked.

Of course, if Josh Norman continues his career at the pace he’s at in 2015, he could be in the argument when he finally decides to call it quits.  Norman, 27, is certainly on pace for his first Pro Bowl appearance, allowing opposing quarterbacks a league-low passer rating of 38.4 when throwing his way this season.  He’s added 40 combined tackles, 15 passes defended, four interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns in the process.

During his press conference with the media Wednesday, Brees had some real good things to say about Norman as well.

“He (Norman) is a very complete player at the corner position,” Brees said. “This guy is really the total package. He’s good in zone. He’s very good in man. Great instincts. Great anticipation. And he’ll come up and make tackles. He’s made all kinds of plays tackling ball carriers and getting the ball out. He’s doing things that most corners don’t necessarily like to do.”

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints will do everything in their power Sunday to take care of business against Josh Norman and the Carolina Panthers (11-0), the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL.  The last time the two met in Week 3, Brees was sidelined with a shoulder injury, so he’ll get his first crack at them this weekend.