Drew Brees, Saints Quarterback

	Drew Brees, Saints Quarterback Greg Nelson/SI

As told to Elizabeth Newman

On team chemistry

You can have all the talent in the world, a bunch of No. 1 picks, but if the chemistry isn't there, you won't succeed. Good chemistry is one reason I was successful with the Chargers the last two years despite the QB controversy [between Brees and Philip Rivers]. The guys on my team believed in me and my abilities, so we worked well together to make things happen -- despite critics.

On injuring his throwing shoulder in the last game of last season

I knew it was serious the minute I got up [after Broncos DT Gerard Warren landed on him]. As much as I wanted to believe the Chargers would re-sign me, I had a bad feeling that that might have been my last snap in a Chargers uniform. It was.

On his recovery

I had surgery in January, and I spent the next four months [in Birmingham] rehabbing with a sports-therapy group. In the beginning it's tough -- you can't do a whole lot. The playoffs are going on, and I'm sitting there in a sling just trying to get my arm to move again, watching other QBs make great plays. It was like somebody was stabbing me in the heart.

On his impression of New Orleans

There's a lot of devastation, and that was kind of overwhelming at first. But my wife [Brittany] and I felt the attitude of the people was great. For them to have gone through something like [Hurricane Katrina] and be so hopeful and so high-spirited was amazing. They knew things were going to be O.K. and that the city was going to come back. It's a great feeling to know we could help be a part of the rebuilding.

On his favorite things in the city

Going to the great restaurants. The cuisine here is amazing. My favorite dish has been charbroiled oysters from a place called Drago's. That is a dish I could eat all day. We also love walking around the French Quarter, talking to the people, listening to the music.

On the toughest defender he's faced

No one makes me shiver. But I played with [Pats linebacker] Junior Seau [in San Diego] and faced him every day in practice. Every play you could see in his eyes that he was coming for you no matter what. That's something I'll remember forever.

On Saints rookie running back Reggie Bush

A phenomenal talent. Phenomenal. All he did in high school and at USC is win, and if you sit back and watch him on the field for five minutes, you can see why. He's very intense, and he works very hard.

On the assets of Drew Brees

I'm still good at what I do despite the injury. I know how to be a leader on a team, how to make plays and how to win.

BREES SIGNED WITH NEW ORLEANS IN MARCH. THE SAINTS OPEN THEIR SEASON IN CLEVELAND THIS SUNDAY.

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