Finland said:
I know the talks on this are burried somewhere so for give me for the new post, but what say you all about Brees' throwing arm, in light of comments about the worst case senerio has him not playing in 2006. I also have had thoughts of Marino playing with a leg brace after that was mentioned regarding Culpepper. Add in a bit on hidden Rotorcuff tear talk and an up and coming team releasing him and I have to say there sure is a lot to think about. Saban obviously is pursuing hard however and I like Saban so far.
Why is he not concerned about the arm?
Also who still would put drafting a QB ahead of either of these guys and I mean a realistic drafting of a QB give a 16th pick?
Well, the reports since he got hurt were that he had a torn labrum. That can easily be repaired surgically and with good rehab, he'd be good as new. The reports all along have been good on his recovery.
But in the last week, there was a report from James Andrews that the injury was actually more serious than anyone had led on... His prognosis is that Brees is ahead of schedule in his rehab and he expects that Brees will recover sufficient enough to be healthy for this season, but also in that report, he noted that not only was there a labrum tear, but also a rotator cuff injury. This was the first mention of rotator cuff damage. Now, some Dr.s will tell you that any QB or pitcher, if checked have rotator cuff damage and it's not uncommon to have to do some work on it surgically. The problem is that the rotator cuff takes longer and doesn't always return to it's prior condition and re-injury during rehab is common. Chad is a recent example of that. Then in a radio interview, Brees makes a revelation that he may not be ready for this season or may not be able to play this season. I didn't read or hear the whole interview, and it could very well be that it was said in the context that "it's possible, with the injury that he suffered that he may not regain the full strength until after this season."
All this has thrown a cloud over his FA value. This is probably the reason, more than to talk Brees into insuring that he still come to Miami, even tho he's visiting NO, that Saban and Mueller traveled to Birmingham to talk face to face with Dr. Andrews and the rehab people that are dealing with Brees there.
While there is always some doubt about a rotator cuff injury and being able to return completely, it's more of a concern with Brees because he was not known to have much of a cannon prior to the injury anyways. He is more of a game manager making his living off of slants and shorter passes. He can throw most all the throws in the intermediate and short range.
The issue at stake here is does Saban stay away from this guy because of that injury ?? It appears as though they must be satisfied because they seem to be chasing him around...
Don't read too much into SD releasing him. There are other issues between SD and Brees than the salary...they have been leading him on since they drafted Rivers. He's wanted a long term commitment from them and they haven't exactly been forthcoming with it. Also, they played him in a meaningless game when their "future QB" probably should have been there and he got injured...so he might harbor that against them as well...
