Losing a starting left tackle, particularly one who has been to two Pro Bowls in the past three seasons, for an entire season would be debilitating loss for many clubs, but the absence of Jammal Brown has not sidetracked the Saints. Brown, who started 15 games in each of the past three seasons, underwent surgery for a sports hernia in August. That Saints expected him to return, but he was placed on injured reserve in September after he needed additional surgery on his hip. New Orleans has used Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief at left tackle and QB Drew Brees recently told PFW he has been impressed with both players. Brees said Bushrod has plenty of athleticism and talent, and Brees certainly has helped both players by getting rid of the ball quickly to avoid taking sacks. Strief is usually a backup right tackle, but he shifted to the left side in Week Four with Bushrod nursing an injury.

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