Drew Brees: Saints quarterback seeks 400 touchdown milestone versus Tampa
When you have a career like New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, milestones are not a rare occurrence. Brees has surpassed numerous records and reached several career landmarks since making his way into the National Football League via the San Diego Chargers‘ second-round draft pick in 2001.
But it’s quite obvious his best days came down on the bayou in the heart of the Crescent City. Drew Brees is king, a staple not only to this Saints franchise, but to the great city of New Orleans
Both on the field and off, the future hall-of-fame quarterback has done so much in such little time. But it’s 2015, and he isn’t getting any younger, yet, when the Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, Drew Brees could become the youngest to ever reach 400 career passing touchdowns.
The 36-year-old has thrown 397 (fourth all-time) career touchdowns, and against a questionable Bucs defense on Sunday, he’ll have a prime opportunity to reach that 400 milestone. But while Brees may have that thought in the back of his mind, I can assure you 400 touchdowns is not his goal this weekend — winning the game is. Starting 0-2 is not even an option, according to No. 9.
As a team player whose days are likely numbered in New Orleans at the age of 36 with just two years left on his current contract, Drew Brees has bigger plans than setting personal records. He wants to bring his city another Super Bowl before he hangs his hat.
In the national media’s eyes, as well as a number of fans, that is a feat that is no longer possible with question marks on the defensive side of the ball and the loss of the All-Pro big man, tight end Jimmy Graham. And while it is hard to argue for a team with no proven defense and a potential struggle with red-zone scoring, that’s not how Drew Brees sees it in his eyes.
No, Brees believes anything is possible, and that’s also hard to argue. Drew Brees is Drew Brees, plain and simple. And as long as the Pro Bowl quarterback is under center, the sky is indeed the limit.
This new, young Saints team will find itself sooner or later, and likely sooner rather than later. “Better people. Better guys. Guys who care about one another. Guys who trust one another. Guys who believe in the process,” Brees said comparing the 2015 Saints to last year’s disappointments within the organization.
Don’t be so quick to count out the Black and Gold. Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are after only one thing this year — the Lombardi Trophy. That starts with a win this Sunday versus Tampa Bay. And maybe, just maybe while No. 9 seeks the club’s first win of the season, he’ll reach that career milestone of 400 passing touchdowns as the fastest to ever do so. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is one touchdown behind him, but Brees’ record as the youngest is safe for now.
With only 33 completions left to go, Brees could very well hit another career milestone Sunday — 5,000 completions. But again, winning is the main focus and always will be. The personal records are just the bonuses that come along with it.