Former Saints backup quarterback Jake Delhomme of BreauxBridge discussed the Saints defense and Drew Brees in a question-and-answer session on Wednesday, Delhomme and his NFC South-leading Panthers Sunday at noon in the Superdome.
Q: It's been a while since you've been removed from playing for the Saints. Do you still get amped up playing them?
A: It's another division game so you get amped up, but it's so different because there's no more coaching staff connection. It's Deuce, Charles Grant and Kevin Houser. I don't believe there's anybody else that I played with. I know Drew Brees. I respect the heck out of him as a player. Sean Payton, the same thing.
Q: How does it feel being healthy again and leading the offense right now?
A: It's nice to be back. This is the first time I've ever missed anytime in my life. I was put on injured reserve. The elbow's fixed. Being out gave me more of an appreciation of the game, because that kind of got away from me. It was more of a grind and I wasn't having that true fun. We'd win a game and I'd come in the locker room and it was more or less a relief than an excitement of us getting the job done. It's special to play this game. as tough as losing is during the season, you have the opportunity to go out and play a kids' game still at my age.
Q: Defensively, the Saints seem to be improved the last few games from where they were last year. What do you see in them?
A: They were kind of nicked up with some injuries here and there. I think that front four's very solid with Will Smith and Charles Grant. I've always thought those guys were really good football players. Brian Young and Kendrick Clancy. I know Sedrick Ellis is dinged up but he was playing well, too. These guys get after it. They can go and Bobby McCray comes in there and he flies around., but I think they have some veteran linebackers in Scott Shanle, Jonathan Vilma and Scott Fujita. Mike McKenzie is the same Mike, He's a great cover corner. You lost Tracy Porter to a wrist injury, but Randall Gay has played some big games.
Q: Have you kept up with Drew Brees this season?
A: Not a whole lot besides seeing highlights and there's been a ton of them. I know he's playing playing outstanding football and I'm not shocked one bit. They do a great job there. Sean and Drew are really on the same page and they do a great job. They use everyone. Reggie Bush is playing great football; It kind of shows what a great pick it was to take him. You can label him what you want to. I'll label him stud. I want the ball in his hands as many times as possible.
HONORS FOR BREES, JOHNSON: Drew Brees is the NFL's Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Oakland, and LSU offensive guard Herman Johnson
has been named to the CBSSports.com Midseason All-American team. Of the Tigers' Johnson, the Web site, "He's one of the biggest offensive linemen in the nation and he anchors a team that ranks first in the SEC is rush average." Johnson, a first-team All-SEC pick a year ago, has started all five games for LSU this season. He grades out at 85 per cent or better in four of five games this autumn.
Former Saints backup quarterback Jake Delhomme of 
