New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees revealed that his shoulder was affected Sunday after taking a big hit earlier in the game, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.
The Saints lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19, and Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jameis Winston had a better QBR than Brees by the end of the game. Brees threw for 255 yards but was sacked four times and threw an interception.
"I want to say a few balls downfield didn't come out very well," said Brees, via Nola.com. "It's the season, everyone is dealing with something."
Brees is 36 years old and is in his 15th season in the league. The guy has been something of an iron man for the Saints, only missing one game since joining the team in 2006. Brees has also had the numbers, putting up more than 4,000 yards passing every season since moving to New Orleans.
The Saints tried to go in another direction this offseason, getting rid of weapons like Jimmy Graham in hopes of adding to their defense and running game. Right now, for the Saints the change-around isn't working as they are 0-2, but the season is far from over and the Saints can still likely turn it around. The Saints play the Panthers next and will need a big game out of their star quarterback if they are likely to pick up a win on the road.
The Carolina Panthers won the NFC South with a 7-8-1 record last year, showing that the Saints are still able to close the gap. The only issue for the Saints is that both the Panthers and the Falcons look improved this season, and the Saints just lost to a divisional foe with a rookie quarterback. The Saints can climb back into the discussion, but Brees' health will likely be major component to how New Orleans' season plays out.
