The New Orleans Saints have ruled star quarterback Drew Brees out for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers and will start veteran backup Luke McCown in his place, with rookie Garrett Grayson serving as the backup. The announcement was reported on the Saints’ official Twitter page.
Payton said Luke McCown will start Sunday with Grayson as the backup #Saints
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 25, 2015
Since being drafted out of Louisiana Tech in 2004, McCown has been a backup quarterback for teams including the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons on top of New Orleans. In 56 games, nine of which he has started, McCown has posted 2,035 passing yards, nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions. More recently, he has become a household name thanks to appearing in Verizon commercials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwF5tzFi11s
Opting to go with experience over potential also shows just how desperate New Orleans is to shake off its 0-2 start to the 2015 season. The team drafted Grayson out of Colorado State in the third round this past spring, and he finished his collegiate career with 9,190 yards, 64 touchdowns and 27 interceptions, so he could be what the team needs to jump-start the offense while Brees is sidelined.
But instead, coach Sean Payton will go with the veteran McCown. To paraphrase his commercial, this backup is getting the chance to really shine.
Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. on Fox.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!
*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
