Brees' protection not what it used to be

By Brett Martel

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Nov. 2 2011 6:35 p.m. MDT

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, bottom, is sacked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in St. Louis.

Tom Gannam, Associated Press

Summary

While Drew Brees has been adjusting to new offensive linemen, he's also dealt with increased pressure from pass rushers.

METAIRIE, La. — While Drew Brees has been adjusting to new offensive linemen, he's also dealt with increased pressure from pass rushers.

Only half way through this season, the Saints' star quarterback has been sacked 19 times, more than he was sacked for the entire seasons of 2006, '07 or '08, and only one fewer than all of 2009.

Help is coming as starting right tackle Zach Strief returns from a knee sprain that sidelined him five games. However, Charles Brown, who started in Strief's absence, is out for the season with a hip injury.

The Saints also have had changes at center after Olin Kreutz left the team and Brian de la Puente took over.

Brees says he remains confident in his linemen and the Saints' ability to fix the problem.

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