Drew Brees is Super Bowl XLIV MVP

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was arguably the best quarterback in the National Football League in 2009. Sure, other QBs had great seasons—Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts), Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings) and Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers) immediately come to mind. But no one can argue against what Drew did for the Saints. And the NFL.

Drew Brees, Super Bowl XLIV MVP / Image: Zuma Press

Just one look at his ‘09 numbers proves that—he had the highest passer rating (a staggering 109.6), the most touchdown passes (34), and the highest completion percentage (70.6 percent). And he is unquestionably the most important player on the Saints’ roster. Yet somehow he still wasn’t the league’s Most Valuable Player. He got his just rewards in Super Bowl XLIV. Drew tied a Super Bowl record for completions, going 32-of-39 passing for 288 yards and two touchdowns, as the Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.

What impressed me most about Drew’s game this evening was his patience. We’ve become accustomed to seeing the Saints strike quickly with deep throws. Certainly, Drew was looking for those opportunities today. But when they didn’t present themselves, he took what the defense gave him, threw the football to his “check-down” receivers and simply succeeded.

A lot of people will argue for Peyton Manning or Tom Brady as the NFL’s best quarterback. And I won’t dispute that. Peyton is a great player. And Tom has been one of the best. But Drew Brees has to be in that conversation from now on. If his stats aren’t evidence enough, he now has the Super Bowl title to prove it.