METAIRIE, La. —
Two statistics summarize Drew Brees' roller coaster season with the Saints.
Brees finished with a league-high 43 touchdowns. He also tied for the league's most interceptions (19).
Because of his sporadic play, it came as no surprise that Brees pointed at himself after Sunday's 44-38 loss to Carolina in the regular-season finale, saying offensive improvements must start with him.
"I've got to hold myself accountable and those have to come down," Brees said of his interceptions, the second-highest season total of his career. In 2010, he threw 33 TDs with 22 interceptions.
"I understand that and I'm going to do my best to fix that."
Brees finished his 12th NFL season with several milestones, adding to his already-impressive Hall of Fame resume. He joined Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks to throw 40 or more TD passes in two or more seasons. Brees also became the first quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in three different seasons. This season, his 5,177 passing yards led the league, a feat he has accomplished four times in New Orleans.
For all his passing heroics, Brees added too many miscues. There's no way of knowing how much better he and the offense would have performed with head coach Sean Payton, who was suspended for the entire 2012 season for his alleged role in the team's pay-to-injury scandal. What is known is that the final product fell short of last season's NFL record for total offense (7,474). He also completed 71.2 percent of his passes and threw for 5,347 yards -- both records.
While this season could not be deemed subpar, it did fall short of his record-setting, lofty standards.
An interception returned for a score at Carolina shifted momentum. Another two interceptions were returned for TDs during a loss to San Francisco. Another five at Atlanta.
During a season in which the Saints defense set an NFL record for ineptitude, Brees struggled in four quarters where timely scoring possessions meant the different between playoffs or watching the postseason from the sideline, as the Saints will do for the first time since 2008.
Although coaches often side-stepped heavy criticism of Brees, it was clear that in the midst of a losing season, he started pressing, trying to do too much. Throwing passes that weren't there, trying to turn the nearly impossible into the completed pass -- something he has earned a reputation for accomplishing with the Saints.
"When you have seasons where you're winning 12, 13 or more games, it seems like you made those plays and the ball bounced your way and you got that call," he said. "Then you have seasons like this one.
You feel like, man, we didn't get any breaks. And yet, (there's) a lot of things we gotta own up to and get better."
He knows that starts with him.
Sports
Brees holds himself accountable for up-and-down 2012
- Sports
-
-
Titles nothing new for Newton County
Newton County captured its seventh fast-pitch state championship, outscoring defending champion Houston 26-3 in two games. The Cougars took home the title despite not having a single senior on their roster –– still, few were surprised.
-
Embry completes 5A title sweep
In his first year coaching the Neshoba Central softball team, Trae Embry won two state titles but wouldn't take all the credit.
-
Morgan takes runner-up at Nationals
Meridian Community College golfer, TJ Morgan, from Bruce, MS, tied for the
individual medalist at the NJCAA D1 National Championship held in Lubbock, TX, but lost on the first hole of a playoff. TJ shot 7 under for the tournament with a 76 on the first day followed by 68, 67 and a last round 70. Aksel Olsen from Wallace State Community College won the playoff. TJ was named First Team All-American for his high finish. -
MSU’s Renfroe wins Ferriss Trophy
The first time Mississippi State coach John Cohen saw Hunter Renfroe play baseball, he marveled at his natural ability.
Three years later, he's also in awe of his work ethic. -
(PHOTOS) Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship
Slideshow of Enterprise in the Class 2A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
(PHOTOS) Newton County wins Class 4A
Slideshow of Newton County in the Class 4A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
(PHOTOS) Neshoba wins Class 5A
Slideshow of Neshoba Central in the Class 5A State Championship fast pitch series.
-
Newton County beats Houston 10-0 to claim 7th fast-pitch championshi
Players from Newton County’s dugout barely made it to the foul line before a celebratory dogpile ensued here Saturday. Indeed, winning never gets old.
The Lady Cougars blanked Houston 10-0 Saturday at Freedom Ridge Park, completing an easy sweep of their best-of-three, Class 4A State Championship Series and gaining a measure of revenge after falling short a year ago. -
Rockets roar by East Central, claim 5A crown
Trae Embry took somewhat of a gamble when he accepted the softball
coaching job at Neshoba Central -- leaving his hometown and his comfort zone for a
new opportunity. - Newton County wins state
- More Sports Headlines
-
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
