MIAMI — No offense, but the Saints don’t even want to imagine the scenario, much less have to deal with it tomorrow night in Super Bowl XLIV.
“That is a God-forbid situation,” right tackle Jon Stinchcomb said.
“That” is the [all those in New Orleans cross your fingers or knock on wood] unwanted development of Drew Brees getting hurt and his backup, Mark Brunell, stepping in at quarterback. Sometimes teams head into the biggest game with an unknown or an unproven commodity in reserve — cue the Colts with rookie Curtis Painter — but that’s certainly not the case with the Saints.
They have an old man.
Asked what he brings to the team, Brunell laughed and said, “A lot of age.”
Yeah, by NFL standards, he’s getting up there, 39 years old and in his 17th season, the first two in Green Bay, the next nine earning acclaim in Jacksonville, four with the Redskins and the past two serving as Brees’ caddy. The left-hander has never made it this far and he surely will play in his first Super Bowl — he’s the holder on field goals and extra points. The only way he takes a snap behind center is if the unthinkable happens to Brees.
“I just think maybe in a game like this, having been in big games, I bring a level of confidence or being able to put guys at ease by saying, ‘Hey listen, this is a big game, but just be who you are, do what you do and you’ll be fine,’ ” Brunell said. “There will be a lot of nerves and a lot of opportunities to remind guys we’re here for a reason. We’re not here by accident. Be confident. Be poised. Be cool and go play football.”
Brunnel twice made it into the AFC Championship game with the Jaguars as the scrambling and accurate director of coach Tom Coughlin’s offense, but never any further. His only time at quarterback this season came in the regular-season finale, when Brees took a seat and Brunell completed 15 of 29 passes for 102 yards and one interception in a 23-10 loss to the Panthers.
Could he still do it if he’s needed?
“Yes, I could,” Brunell said. “My legs aren’t what they used to be and I’m certainly not running around like I was, but I can still play at this level. Absolutely. My arm is great. No problems.”
Perhaps Brunell will be on the field and serve as the holder for a game-winning field goal. If the Colts get to Brees, though, Brunell is next in line.
“He has done it before,” Stinchcomb said. “He has the leadership and the knowledge that makes everyone feel comfortable. Obviously we know Drew is the leader of this ship, but if Mark were to have to step in, we wouldn’t be cashing in our chips and bailing on him. We feel comfortable he can lead us to wins also.”