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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 13 • 22 New Orleans Saints Drew Brees had a big day in Pittsburgh, throwing for five touchdowns in a critical Saints' win. TWIN CITY DODGE P R E S E N TS : B O I L E R M A K E R S I N T H E N F L BY KYLE CHARTERS KCharters@GoldandBlack.com D rew Brees had plenty of motivation Sunday afternoon. Hours after a report came out, via the NFL Network, that the Saints were interested in drafting his eventual re- placement in the spring's draft, Brees threw five touchdowns passes in a win at Pittsburgh. The 35-year-old Brees has faced a bit of criticism this sea- son, with the Saints only 5-7 and him turning the ball over a bit more than usual. Yet, he had still thrown for 3,748 yards (No. 2 in the NFL) and 27 touchdowns (No. 5), with 11 inter- ceptions, after 12 weeks this season, with his 101.7 QB rating being tied for sixth in the league among regular starters. Critics say Brees' arm strength, never a strong point, is di- minished and he is aging. "My mentality, my approach, my preparation and my process throughout the week does not change regardless of whether people are singing my praises or telling me that I can't play anymore," Brees told media after the New Orleans' 35-32 win at Pittsburgh. "I really don't care (what people say). I pride myself on the way that I work, the way I prepare, the type of leader and per- son that I'm trying to be for my team." EXTRA FOR NINKOVICH Rob Ninkovich was pressed into a little extra duty on Sun- day for the Patriots, not only playing every defensive snap, but getting in a little extra work on special teams. The defensive end was forced to be the Patriots long- snapper, filling in due to an injury. "When somebody goes down and your number's called, you've got to go out and perform at a high level. The expecta- tions here are always high, I understood that," Ninkovich told the Boston Globe after New England's loss at Green Bay. "I knew that my job was to go out there and throw strikes. I think I was able to do that." INDY PICKS UP PHILLIPS Within a day of being released by Tennessee, veteran linebacker Shaun Phillips found a home. The Indianapolis Colts signed the former Boilermaker, hoping he can bolster their pass-rushing abilities down the stretch of the NFL season. Phillips, who is in his 11th season, hasn't had the most productive year, with only two sacks. But he has 81.5 for this career, including 10 last season in Denver. j Brees Plays Big