NEW ORLEANS -- Where was this all season?
Drew Brees limped onto the field with a torn plantar fascia and threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns Sunday to lift the New Orleans Saints to their most lopsided victory of the season -- 38-27 over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Receiver Brandin Cooks and running back Tim Hightower each went over 120 yards, and the defense provided two early interceptions before caving in the second half.
Unfortunately it didn’t amount to much in a battle of 5-9 teams.
At least the Saints (6-9) gave their fans something to cheer about in their 2015 home finale before they head into an offseason filled with question marks about the direction of this team’s future.
What it means: Nothing for 2015. But it was at least another reminder that this young team still had some fight in it late in the season. Coach Sean Payton and players have insisted all year that they love the character and culture that has been rebuilt in the locker room.
What were they thinking? No reason to hold anything back at this point. Not only did Brees provide another remarkable moment in his Hall of Fame career by deciding to play through the foot injury, but the Saints aggressively followed suit by going for it on fourth-and-5 on the opening drive from Jacksonville’s 43-yard line. Brees connected with Cooks on a 23-yard pass, then threw his first TD to tight end Michael Hoomanawanui two plays later.
One reason to panic: The Saints’ defense seems incapable of putting together a full 60-minute performance. Once again, they started out great, with interceptions by defensive end Bobby Richardson and cornerback Delvin Breaux while running up a 24-0 lead. But then they allowed four TD passes over the final 32 minutes -- including a 90-yarder over the head of cornerback Brandon Browner (who was showered with boos multiple times Sunday, including pregame introductions).
One reason to get excited: The Saints still have some great young building blocks, including Breaux (who also tipped the pass that was intercepted by Richardson) and Cooks. Cooks caught a 71-yard TD pass in the first quarter and is now over 1,100 yards with nine TDs in his second NFL season.
Fantasy watch: A double whammy for embattled Saints RB C.J. Spiller. Not only was he scratched from the lineup, but his replacement, Travaris Cadet, came in and had the kind of performance Spiller rarely had all season. Cadet, a former Saint who was reclaimed off waivers this week, had one rush for 6 yards and three catches for 69 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown. ... CBS’ broadcast reported that Payton said he never saw the same burst from Spiller after his summer knee surgery and had a long, productive talk with Spiller, telling him to focus on next year.
Ouch: The Saints didn’t report any new injuries. But receiver Marques Colston (chest) and right tackle Zach Strief (elbow) were both declared inactive before the game. Strief hadn’t missed a start since 2013.