Drew Brees blasts the league office, blames Goodell for falling TV ratings

NFL television ratings have taken a tumble this season, and last month, Roger Goodell admitted that the league isn't sure why that's happening.

Drew Brees thinks he knows the reason.

According to Brees, if Goodell really wants to know why TV ratings are going down, all he has to do is look in the mirror. During an interview with ESPN.com this week, Brees blamed the league's ratings decline on a growing distrust players and fans feel with the league office.

"We feel like [the decline in TV ratings] is a direct result," Brees said of the mistrust.

Brees has been a vocal critic of the league office before. In August, the Saints quarterback said that no one "believes anything" the NFL says anymore. Earlier in 2016, Brees also said that players can't trust any investigation that's done by the league.

Drew Brees says the league office is a big reason why the NFL's TV ratings are dropping

As one of Goodell's harshest critics, Brees elaborated on those comments this week.

"I know the players don't have any faith in the way that things are conducted within the front office in the NFL -- certainly when it comes to any type of investigation, when it comes to any type of commissioner discipline," Brees said. "It's really kind of a joke at this point, unfortunately. And it shouldn't be like that."

Brees didn't blame everything on Goodell. The Saints quarterback also attributed the ratings decline to the NFL's crackdown on fun, he also added that Colin Kaepernick's protests could be turning people away from their TV.

"I think it's just been a culmination of a lot of things over the last three years that unfortunately might have just turned people off or caused them to be less engaged," Brees said.

For Brees, the problem with the NFL is that there's too much secrecy and not enough communication between the league and the NFLPA.

"It's very much been a, 'We're gonna do things behind closed doors. And you just kind of believe what we tell you,'" Brees said. "And unfortunately that's jumped up and bit us, and I named all those cases bountygate, Deflategate where you certainly can't trust anything that's coming out of the league office at this point."

Several people seem to agree with Brees when it comes to why the NFL's TV ratings are down. On Nov. 3, Richard Sherman said it was because the league isn't fun anymore. Donald Trump also weighed in on the matter in October and blamed Kaepernick for most of the problem.

Brees and Sherman might have to steal Trump's slogan if they want to get TV ratings up by telling Goodell to "Make football fun again."

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Drew Brees brings Giants a test — and tons of tortured memories

The Giants won their season opener for the first time in six years, an important step toward preventing a fifth straight season without reaching the playoffs.

Last season’s last-ranked defense allowed 19 points, including just one touchdown to the Cowboys on the road, but linebacker Jonathan Casillas said he doesn’t feel like the Giants’ defense accomplished that much.

After all, how proud could the unit feel about slowing an offense led by Dak Prescott?

“We’re in no place to be content about what happened. At the end of the day, we beat a rookie quarterback in his first game,” Casillas said Tuesday. “That should happen probably more times than not, and it was a close game, which they could’ve won. A couple plays could’ve went their way at the end of the game. We got our first win in opening week in six years [and] that’s fine, but at the end of the day we beat a good team with a rookie quarterback [playing] his first game ever. Not too many rookie quarterbacks win their first game against a good team.

“We’re done with Dallas and we’re moving on to a guy that put up 52 [points] on us last year.”

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Brees against the Giants last seasonPhoto: AP

That guy is Drew Brees, the Saints quarterback ensured of enshrinement in Canton.

He is the guy who has won a Super Bowl MVP, led the league in passing touchdowns four times and thrown for the most yards in six different seasons. He is the guy who holds the all-time record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54), the highest completion percentage in league history (66.4) and is 36 passing yards short of passing Dan Marino for third on the all-time list.

To the Giants, Brees, 37, most recently was the guy who humiliated them by throwing for 505 yards and tying an NFL record with seven touchdown passes in a 52-49 Saints win last season.

“We weren’t good at all defensively in any phase of the game in any part of the game. We didn’t tackle that great, we blew coverages, we let people run free, you want me to keep going?” said Casillas, who spent the first four years of his career (2009-12) as Brees’ teammate in New Orleans. “It was one of those games where you look back and you don’t watch the film because you’re just disgusted by it.

“If we’re in the right spot, at least we can contend, but if we’re not in the right spot we have no chance, just like we didn’t last year. … Defensively we were atrocious last year, and we can’t do that ever again because we’re not gonna win any games like that.”

Casillas said he finally would watch the horror film this week, but the defensive captain didn’t need the highlights to remember what his former teammate — who threw for 423 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-34 Week 1 loss to the Raiders — could do despite an ever-changing offensive cast surrounding him.

The Giants are just as familiar, having surrendered an average of 44 points, four passing touchdowns and nearly 398 yards to Brees in their past four meetings, which ended with three Saints wins.

“It’s crazy how he’s getting better every year,” Casillas said. “It’ll be interesting this week. You know what he’s gonna do, but you really don’t know what he’s gonna do. … He plays like a big-time guy all the time and he’s always down to make that perfect pass and perfect play. … He’s such a cerebral player and he has full control over his offense. No one operates like him. There are talented guys, [like] Cam Newton, but as overall captains and generals of a team’s offense, there’s no one better than him.

“We got a great guy here, let’s not get that twisted, but Drew’s thrown 5,000 [yards] every year and it’s not because he has good receivers on the outside. It’s because of him.”

Drew Brees downplays contract uncertainty, touts his longevity

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) -- Drew Brees was calm and non-confrontational when asked repeatedly why he and the New Orleans Saints weren't able to negotiate a contract extension before Thursday's opening practice of training camp.

If anything, the star quarterback sounded testier when the subject of a rookie safety's interception came up.

Standing nearby, one of Brees' oldest teammates, right tackle Zach Strief, hardly seemed surprised, and viewed it as an example of why the Saints shouldn't worry about Brees' ability to compartmentalize the uncertainty that arises for any player in the last year of his current deal.

"Look, he's a highly competitive and highly professional guy that is way more worried about the fact he threw an interception in seven-on-seven than he is about a contract right now," Strief said after the first practice. "That's just how Drew is. ... Everything he does is like, unbelievably focused. He's like a weirdo."

Around the NFL and in New Orleans in particular, many seem puzzled by the fact that the Saints haven't been able to nail down a new, long-term deal with their franchise quarterback, who has passed for 48,555 yards and 348 touchdowns in 10 seasons with the club -- not to mention MVP honors in New Orleans' only Super Bowl triumph.

After all that, and the fact that the 37-year-old Brees has repeatedly said he wants to end his career in New Orleans, shouldn't an extension have been easier to hammer out?

"I would hope so, but I also know that sometimes these take time," Brees said, stressing that "nothing is adversarial."

"I've got a great relationship with (general manager) Mickey Loomis and have for my entire time here," Brees continued. "There's a process to this and it's not an exact science."

Brees has stated that once the regular season begins, he intends to cut off negotiations because he doesn't want his contract status to distract him from preparing for a game.

He took the same approach in 2011, which was not without risk because an injury could have undermined his value going forward. Instead, Brees passed for what was then an NFL record 5,476 yards to go with 46 touchdowns, which ultimately earned him a five-year, $100 million contract that, in 2012, was the richest deal in the NFL.

"My mindset is the same whether I've got a one-year deal or a five-year deal," Brees said. '"Each and every week, I've got to go out and I've got to prove it. I've got to prove that I give us the best chance to win. I've got to prove that I'm a leader on the team that's going to get the best out of everybody around me and myself."

Coach Sean Payton dismissed the notion that Brees' contract status would overshadow the club's preparations.

"That is something that cannot be the focus of what we're doing," Payton said. "That's the one element that I'm sure will take care of itself."

Added Loomis, "Lots of players play into the last year of their contract. It happened the last time with us. It's not our preference, but it happens. Nothing unusual here."

Loomis added that Brees is paid like an elite QB and the Saints "expect to do that."

Strief said he "cannot fathom" Brees finishing his career elsewhere, but understands that when a contract is of the magnitude an elite player like Brees commands, the details can take longer to iron out.

"I could have signed my deal with Mickey in five minutes," Strief said. "It's just not that type of situation with" Brees.

Brees has declined to get into specifics about sticking points in negotiations, saying he wants to keep that between his agent, Tom Condon, and Loomis, who also won't discuss details of negotiations.

But Brees, who led the NFL in passing last season, seemed eager to discuss a possible divergence between what he called an "old-school way of thinking" about quarterback longevity and how he sees his own longevity in light of evolving science pertaining to training and nutrition.

"I don't see any reason why I can't play at the highest level for the next five years, minimum," Brees asserted.

As the quarterback later wrapped up his interview session, discussion turned to second-round draft choice Vonn Bell's interception of a deep pass Brees intended for Brandin Cooks during practice.

"Good for him," Brees said. "That won't happen again."

Notes: LT Terron Armstead and CB Keenan Lewis have opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list. The Saints may take them off the list at any time during preseason, at which point they would be permitted to return to practice. If they remain on the PUP list when preseason ends, they must sit out at least the first six weeks of the season.

Drew Brees, at 37, believes he has 'quite a few good years left'

Brees is confident he'll work out a contract extension this summer as he enters the final season on his current deal.

Entering his 16th NFL season, Drew Brees doesn't see any reason to start pondering retirement. 

The quarterback expressed confidence that he'll reach a contract extension with the New Orleans Saints before this season begins, and told USA Today on Tuesday that he plans to keep playing for a while. 

"I feel like I’ve got quite a few good years left," Brees said. "I got one year left on the contract, but whether you have a one-year contract or a five-year contract, you’ve still got to prove it every year. … Even if you’re locked into a long-term deal, they can get rid of you at any time, so that’s my mindset."

Brees turned 37 in January and is coming off a season in which he completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 4,870 yards and 32 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions — his fewest since 2009. A model of consistency, Brees has started at least 15 games every season since 2004. 

He's entering the final season of a five-year, $100 million extension that is set to pay him $19.75 million in base salary this year, and he isn't sweating the details of the negotiations. 

"I’ve been through that a few times, so you know that (the contract extension) will happen when it’s supposed to happen," he said. "There’s so much that goes into an offseason — you’re signing free agents, you’re signing rookies, you’re going through the draft process. Now as we get ready for training camp, I obviously, I see myself in New Orleans for the rest of my career."

Drew Brees headlining tonight’s inaugural Best of Preps banquet

The best high school athletes in Acadiana will be honored Tuesday night at the Cajundome Convention Center during the 2016 Acadiana Best of Preps banquet brought to you by Super Chevy Dealers of Acadiana, Lafayette General Health, LHC Group and other community sponsors.

New Orleans Saints Super Bowl-winning star quarterback Drew Brees is the guest speaker for the event. Athletes of the Week, those named to All-Acadiana teams, and selected coaches will be honored.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tuesday’s event.

Q: Can I buy tickets at the door?

A: The event is sold out with more than 900 people expected to attend. Athletes have their own required check-in table.

Q: What time should I arrive?

A: Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., but attendees are encouraged to arrive early and check in. Because of the large number of attendees, you will want to avoid getting caught in the check-in line with the program starting just near 6:45 p.m.

Q: Will I have to pay to park?

A: No. Parking for the Best of Preps is free — at the Cajundome Convention Center and at Cajun Field.

Q: Will I be able to get a photo with Drew Brees?

A: Photo opportunities will be limited and contained mostly to the stage, but have your camera ready.

Q: What are some of the highlights of the program?

A: Brees will help hand out awards to nearly 50 athletes and coaches, including six major awards. At least four legends of Louisiana athletics will be among the attendees, including former Carencro and New England Patriots running back Kevin Faulk, former UL and NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme, and tennis pro Chanda Rubin. Legendary LSU running back Billy Cannon will also be in attendance, and will be selling and signing copies of his book, “Billy Cannon: A long, long run.”

Q: Is there food?

A: Yes, a heavy hors d’oeuvres buffet. Begin eating immediately after check-in.

Q: How long is the event?

A: The event will end promptly at 9 p.m.

Q: If I can’t make the event, how can I follow it?

A: You can keep up with the festivities at theadvertiser.com. Afterward, check back for photos and videos from the special evening.

Jim Harbaugh brings Drew Brees to his daughter's career day

ANN ARBOR -- Jim Harbaugh said his piece about satellite camps Tuesday afternoon in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

And while the rest of the college football universe continues to dissect every part of it, Michigan's head coach has moved right along.

Where?

To career day at his daughter's elementary school. With a special guest.

This isn't the first time Brees and Harbaugh have partnered up for something.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback was part of Harbaugh's "Signing of the Stars" event on signing day back in February. He appeared via video message congratulating all of Michigan's recruits.

As for career day?

Well, the next parent probably had a tough act to follow.

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Sean Payton doesn’t see ‘attrition injury’ as Drew Brees ages

The difference between Drew Brees and Peyton Manning in their late 30’s is obvious.

Brees has been able to stay healthier than Manning. Unlike Manning, who underwent neck surgery that affected him structurally, Brees has dealt with tissue injuries that could happen to any player.

For that reason, Saints head coach Sean Payton believes Brees still has a lot more to offer.

“I say that with conviction, only paying attention to what I’m seeing,” Payton said in an ESPN interview with Hannah Storm that aired Friday.

Brees, who was impacted by an oblique injury in 2014, dealt with a bruised rotator cuff and a torn plantar fascia in 2015.

None of those injuries were a result of his age, nor something that will continue to cause problems even after it healed.

“I don’t see the attrition injury,” Payton told Storm. “What happened with his foot could’ve happened when he was 28.”

At this point in Brees’ career, Payton sees no sign his quarterback is slowing down, something he’s been saying repeatedly in interviews since the end of the season.

“I don’t see that window, if you will, that end if you will,” Payton said. “And that’s a good thing.”