It’s a Brees … but not for screwed-up Saints

The New Orleans Saints need to sign 

franchise quarterback Drew Brees 

to a long-term deal - immediately.

You know Eye On Sports NFL fans, some things in life are so simple that they require absolutely no thinking whatsoever.

Of course, I always say that sports mirrors everyday life in myriad facets and one of the age-old truths is that, when you have a true, Hall of Fame-caliber superstar that is equally as phenomenal off the playing field as on it, that you give him whatever he wants to remain the face of your franchise until he decides to call it quits.

Having said that pro football followers, it’s clear that the New Orleans Saints are absolutely ludicrous – and no – I’m not talking about their insane bounty-laden locker room.

I’m talking about the fact that the Saints want to keep pinching pennies when it comes to paying franchise-quarterback Drew Brees what he rightfully deserves.

When it comes to NFL quarterbacks, Brees is easily one of the top three signal-callers in the game today, joining the ranks of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady as the game’s best triumvirate. Paying Brees an average of what Brady and soon-to-be-former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning make, is an absolute no-brainer, that the Saints should have taken care of a long time ago.

Now, they’ve used their franchise tag on Brees and he will make an average of about $16 million per season if he signs the deal. If not, he will hold out fr more money – and money I say he rightfully deserves after leading the formerly sad-sack franchise to its first Super Bowl title just a couple of years ago.

Now, in addition to having a mountain of bounty-related issues swirling about, the Saints have angered their team and community leader – and that was just ludicrous of GM Mickey Loomis and owner Tom Benson.

If the Saints don’t win more than eight or nine games in 2012, then don’t be surprised!

Transformation Complete!

Raise your hand if you really thought that San Francisco 49ers inconsistent and oft-embattled quarterback Alex Smith was going to have the best season of his career in Jim Harbaugh’s first season at the helm of the Niners.

Okay, those of you that answered ‘yes’ put your hands down and stop lying!

I’m sorry, but there’s not a person in the world that could have ever thought that Smith would have a better season than Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler, Michael Vick, Matt Casel and Joe Flacco.

The transformation that Smith has gone under in head coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season has been nothing short of astounding. Smith is ranked 10th in the league in passing and has thrown just five interceptions on the season, though he hasn’t thrown the ball quite as much as most of his counterparts.

Still, it’s amazing, but nice to see Alex Smith coming around after years of failures as a former No. 1 overall selection.

Pack Back on Track!

After seeing the Green Bay Packers man-handle the Chicago Bears in their 35-21 win on Sunday night, I’m back to believing that the Packers are near locks to come out of the NFC unless the Saints  beat them in a shootout, which is always a possibility when you’ve got Drew Brees. I also believe the Niners will have a very legitimate chance of pulling off the postseason upset with their suffocating defense and strong rushing attack.

NFC North is Mr. Rodgers' Neighborhood!

NFC North Okay, I’m a lifelong Miami Dolphins fan that revels in the fact that the ’72 Fins are the only team in league history to finish an entire season undefeated, but I gotta’ admit that this year’s version of the Green Bay Packers looks like it really has the ability to pull off the coveted undefeated season! By the way … if you don’t know, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is now the best signal-caller in all of football.

You know, I was really high on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Hanie following his fine performance in last season NFC Title game, so I’m going to give the young man the benefit of the doubt for his pitiful performance on Sunday. Still, I can see the Bears’ season slip-sliding away!

Detroit Lions No. 2 overall draft pick Ndamukong Suh is ridin’ dirty NFL fans. The athletically gifted defensive lineman is undoubtedly a special player, but he could be in the process of alienating himself with officials around the league – and we all know that once you get a reputation, whether deserved or not, it’s hard to shake.

The Minnesota Vikings may be going through a rough stretch this season, but I think the team could find its way back to respectability at some point in the very near future. While I’ve been impressed with rookie quarterback Christian Ponder and absolutely love gifted running back Adrian Peterson, I’ve got to admit that I’m very disappointed in Leslie Frazier in his first full season as a head coach after the longtime defensive coordinator waited for years to get his chance.