How Long Ago Does "Brees the Charger" Feel Like?

So, can we agree that there really isn't a "discussion" around NFL MVP right now? I mean, I understand how folks can throw out some names for the sake of debate and create hours of unnecessary discussion on the topic. That's what the media does and, to a large extent, any good overly-obsessive sports fan. But, for me, it's gotta be Brees.

Now, of course the MVP is not likely heading to a guy that leads a 9-7 team that misses the playoffs (which could very well be where the Saints finish). This gets us back to the whole age-old arguments about what the award really means and if we truly give a crap about the meaning of the word "valuable" or if it really is just the "most outstanding" player. Here's the thing. You could argue Brees is both right now. Most valuable and most outstanding.

Unfortunately, as mentioned, the third factor in this whole award consideration is the performance of the player's respective team. Not only do you have to be the most outsanding player of utmost value, but it also needs to be for a squad legitamately in the Super Bowl hunt. This pretty much rules out Brees and his Saints.

All that said, my vote is still for Drew. Hands down. On a somehwhat related note, while I was watching last night's fireworks display, I had one of those weird fan moments. I remembered for a moment that Brees used to play for another team. Yes, it was only three years ago that Drew was the face of another NFL franchise and rocking the lightning bolt on his sleeve. However, I'd almost completely forgotten about it. Why does this obvious statement of fact hold any significance? In truth, it doesn't. But it made me think about just how quickly Brees has become the face of another NFL team.

It could be his gaudy stats, or his on-field leadership, or the team's lack of other "name" stars, or even his calming and considerate presence and voice during the whole Katrina mess, but it's probably a bit of all of those things. Brees now is the New Orleans Saints. It's also hard to argue they are anything but dreadful without #9 behind center for the past few years. Perhaps it's just me, but his career to-date in Nawlins has been so impactful that the memory of his days in San Diego have all but vanished from memory.

Maybe he'll even have an MVP trophy to add to his Cajun resume. Unfortunately, we're not betting on it.

posted at 9:11 AM