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Chat Reel: Drew Brees

Purdue QB says the win against Michigan was "fitting"

Purdue's Drew Brees (15) is back in the race for the Heisman Trophy. AP

For a minute there, it looked like Purdue quarterback Drew Brees' chances at winning the Heisman Trophy were fading fast.

Losing two of your first five games can do that to a Heisman hopeful.

But a come-from-behind victory against No. 6 Michigan last Saturday brought the Boilermaker senior back in the hunt for the coveted Heisman hardware.

Brees broke away from his strict daily regime on Tuesday, Oct. 10, for an exclusive chat with CNNSI.com users. He talked about the Michigan win, his thoughts on the Heisman race and a lot more. The transcript follows:

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Purdue quarterback Drew Brees. Thanks for joining us, Drew.

From Deacon Marshall in Shelbyville, Ind.: Drew, how good did it feel to finally beat one of the "so-called" Big Three and get that monkey off of your back? How did it feel for the special teams to get the game winner after their troubles?
Drew Brees: It was kind of a fitting way to end that negative streak that we had going. We had come so close in the past, but we had fallen short. It was good to get a big victory like that at home, in front of our fans. Making the kick will do a lot for (Purdue kicker Travis) Dorsch's confidence and it will be good for us in the long run as a team.

From Rick McGlothlin in Okinawa, Japan: Drew, great game Saturday and congratulations on the new records! I would like to know what you said in the huddle after the Purdue defense stopped Michigan with less than two minutes to go in the game. Also, what was racing through your mind when Travis lined up for his second attempt at a game-winning field goal?
Drew Brees: Well, after Travis missed the first field goal, I thought, 'Maybe we're not meant to win this game.' Then the defense stopped Michigan on the three plays, and I told the huddle, 'Yes. We are meant to win this game.'

And I could see it in everybody's faces and eyes. They believed the same thing. We knew we were going to drive down to get in field goal position again. We just tried to center it up in the middle of the field and give Dorsch a chip shot. I knew he would make it the second time because I know you don't usually get second chances like that.

From Nikhil in Indianapolis: Statistically, you should be the Heisman favorite. You have equal or better numbers than anyone in college this season. Do you think the so-called "experts" are favoring those teams that are racking up decent numbers against inferior teams? For example, Michael Vick, who plays the local women's college weekly, and has, at best, average numbers against sub-par teams.
Drew Brees: Ah ... let's see. How can I answer this one? Well, it's hard to judge certain players and certain teams at times because of the competition they play and the fact that there are a lot of things that are out of your control. For example, against Michigan, we drove down the field two times and had two chances at a game-winning field goal. He ended up making the second try, but what if he'd missed? What if he didn't get a second chance? What would people say? What would they say about the team, or about me?

What I'm saying is that there are things out of your control, like special teams. I try to get them pumped and encourage them, but there are only 11 guys on the punt team. If something goes wrong, it's out of our control. People want to try to point a finger and blame someone for a loss, but it is a team effort. You win as a team, and you lose as a team. You just hope that everyone is on the same page. I know I'm not on any special teams, but I just try to do my best to hype those guys up, motivate them and let them know what a big part of the team special teams is.

From Keith Paris in Lafayette, Ind.: Do you have a specific pre-game ritual? Can you describe the state of mind you are seeking before you take the field? Do you seek heightened alertness or calmness or an emotional attitude?
Drew Brees: More so than anything, it's a calmness. If I can think of one thing I do the same ... every game day at home, there is a bust of Jack Mollenkopf that is at the front of entrance of our facility. I touch his hat as I walk in and walk out. That is a ritual that I do, and a lot of other guys on the team do, too. It seems to be our good luck charm.

From Mark in Huntington Beach, Calif.: Drew, do you think that Vinny Sutherland is one of the most underrated receivers in the nation? Who are your closest friends on the team?
Drew Brees: As far as Vinny, if you look at the past five games -- he missed the first one -- but I think he has eight touchdowns and he has been doing great on punt return. With Vinny as being as fast he is, we try to put him in places where he can use that. He's done a great job doing that. He and I joke around a lot about whether he makes me a good player or whether I make him a good player. He says when he catches a touchdown pass, he makes me look good. But I tell him I set him up for the catch, so I make him look good. (Laughs.)

But seriously, he is definitely a great receiver and deserves a lot of respect for what he's done. My best friends on the team are Jason Loerzell, No. 88, and Ben Smith, No. 17. They are my two closest friends, but I am also friends with the backup quarterback. I hang out with (Tim) Stratton and my wide receivers. Whenever I am out and I see my offensive line, I hang out with them too.

From Purdue: In what way do you think you have matured since you came on the scene? Certainly you have cut down on the number of picks. What else?
Drew Brees: I guess I've just become a more calm and relaxed player and understand game management -- when it's time to take a chance or risk -- tuck and run or thread the needle.

From Geoffrey Ley in Dallas: Drew, congratulations on the big win over Michigan on Saturday. How has all of the Heisman hype affected your play this year? At the end of the season last year, you noted that you had become too tentative throwing the ball because you were trying to limit interceptions. Do you feel any of that this year?
Drew Brees: No, at the beginning of last year, I felt like I was more tentative. But at the end, I felt like I could cut it loose. I realized I was being tentative midway through the season last year, and I started playing better.

This year, I am at a good balance, still trying to thread the ball and be more careful in situations, like knowing when I can take the risk and when to tuck and run.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today for Purdue quarterback Drew Brees. Thanks again for your time, Drew.
Drew Brees: Thank you for your questions, they were all good. Thanks again, and be watching next week!

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