Saints quarterback Drew Brees is unquestionably one of the NFL's best signal-callers. With the New Orleans Saints coming to Indianapolis this coming Saturday, it would be a good test for the Colts to play Brees. And although the quarterback has missed the first two preseason games, he's expected to play Saturday against the Colts in Indy.
"Today was my first day to be full-go," Brees said today, according to NFL.com. "I've been taking it very slow. I wanted to make sure it was all good. I'm still not 100 percent, but I hope by Saturday I am." Brees promised he would play in week three, while head coach Sean Payton said that barring a setback, Brees will play.
So what does this have to do with the Colts? Well, in addition to meaning that one of the league's best quarterbacks will be making his 2014 preseason debut on national television in Indianapolis against the Colts, it also will give the Colts defense a great test.
Up to this point in the preseason, the first team defense has looked spectacular. They've been getting pass rush, stopping the run, making plays in defending the pass, and more. The defense has been incredibly encouraging so far. But in week one the Colts played against a Jets offense led by Geno Smith, and then in week two the Colts were helped out by Eli Manning looking terrible. This isn't to take anything away from the defensive performances at all, it's just rather to suggest that they have yet to play a great offense. That will change on Saturday, as long as Brees plays.
On Saturday, the Colts pass rush will be tested by Brees' quick release and passing attack. On Saturday, the Colts secondary will be tested by Brees and the Saints receivers. And on Saturday, the Colts run defense will be tested as they have to devote much more attention to the passing game. The fact that Drew Brees is expected to play on Saturday is actually good news for the Colts, because in preseason the win/loss isn't as important as the experience gained, and by playing against one of the best quarterbacks in the league and a future Hall of Famer, the Colts defense should get a tremendous test that they simply didn't against the Jets or the Giants.