The Saints offensive line had a dreadful day against the Rams on Sunday as they struggled to keep Rams pass rushers from getting to Drew Brees without committing penalties that wound up driving the offense backward at the same rate.
Left tackle Charles Brown topped the list of culprits for that performance. Rams defensive end Robert Quinn sacked Brees twice, forced a fumble and provided pressure that led to an interception on the first Saints play of the game while Brown was flagged for two penalties, one of which wiped out a touchdown New Orleans could have used in a 27-16 loss. Brown was eventually taken out of the game, a decision that coach Sean Payton explained in straightforward fashion after the loss.
“I saw enough,” Payton said, via WWLTV.com. “I saw enough, period. It was enough penalties, pressures, sacks. It was enough. At some point you can’t just keep watching it. Feelings get hurt, it is tough.”
Good grief!
Payton wouldn’t say whether this was a permanent switch. Brown had done a solid job this season, but Sunday was a nightmare on the level of having the ball pulled away just before you try to kick a field goal.
Brown had called the team’s 2011 trip to St. Louis, a loss that saw Brown give up two sacks and get hurt, the worst game of his NFL career. If the Saints are scheduled there again next season, it might be a good idea for Brown to be something else.