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07:58 AM ET 12.28 | Drew Brees' passing record, along with some grumbling from Atlanta, behind him, Sean Payton now has some decisions on his hands. How does he handle Sunday's game against the Panthers and the dynamic Cam Newton? Does he rest his regulars, knowing the chances of the Rams (2-13) beating the 49ers (12-3) are slim to none? Or does he go for it again and risk losing a key player or two to injury? Payton was mum about his intentions Tuesday. In a nearly identical situation last season, Payton elected to play his regulars and watched safety Malcolm Jenkins, tight end Jimmy Graham and running back Chris Ivory drop with injuries in the first half. A dreadful loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs followed.

Drew Brees, Getty Images

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December 28, 2011 08:18 AM ET

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Well you know Brees will play as long as an individual record is within his grasp, regardless of the score or need to play.

Jim in Houston

Houston , TX

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December 28, 2011 08:47 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:18 AM ET 12.28 by Jim in Houston

Well you know Brees will play as long as an individual record is within his grasp, regardless of the score or need to play.

He already has the yardage record. All has to do is pad it enough to keep ahead of Brady.

THE BISHOP!

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December 28, 2011 08:54 AM ET

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I'd rest Brees if I were them.

Robataille

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December 28, 2011 08:55 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:47 AM ET 12.28 by THE BISHOP!

He already has the yardage record. All has to do is pad it enough to keep ahead of Brady.

And you know that somebody is going to be up in the press box with the sole task of monitoring Brady's passing yards against the Bills and updating Payton accordingly.

Danny15

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Comment #5 has been removed

December 28, 2011 09:00 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 08:56 AM ET 12.28 by Lex-LOU-thor

Why leave it in the hands of others. Do the job yourself and get it done. By the way - what is the crap of Atlanta grumbling - tell me they wouldn't have done the same thing if a major milestone was within grasp of one of their iconic players.

While at home and on the national stage, no less.....

The Falcons really need to save the vitriol for the likely rematch in the playoffs and channel accordingly.

Danny15

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December 28, 2011 09:02 AM ET

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Start them all. They should test fate the same way they did last year, worked out well for them

Flea Biscuit

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December 28, 2011 09:03 AM ET

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Funny that. A coach that tries to win the game that he is coaching.

Fast & Faster

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December 28, 2011 09:33 AM ET

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The Saints offense with Brees and all their weapons at RB, WR and TE look just about impossible to stop right now.

THE BISHOP!

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December 28, 2011 09:43 AM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 09:33 AM ET 12.28 by THE BISHOP!

The Saints offense with Brees and all their weapons at RB, WR and TE look just about impossible to stop right now.

Looking forward to their matchup against the Packers

Flea Biscuit

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December 28, 2011 09:48 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:14 AM ET 12.28 by HellAwaits!!

We're seen the Saints run up scores pretty good.....wouldn't doubt an attempt at winning it. I hate picking week 17, although this year looks easier.

I still cannot believe that some Falcon did not make a run or two at him when he was just using the end game for stats. Thought they might send about seven guys every play.

50yearfan

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December 28, 2011 09:59 AM ET

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No way they let that punk Brady get the record

DENVERROB

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December 28, 2011 10:14 AM ET

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QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 09:59 AM ET 12.28 by DENVERROB

No way they let that punk Brady get the record

That's why I think Payton will treat it like any other game.

THE BISHOP!

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December 28, 2011 10:16 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:43 AM ET 12.28 by Flea Biscuit

Looking forward to their matchup against the Packers

Ditto this.

Melman

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December 28, 2011 10:50 AM ET

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Congrats to Brees & The Saints on a great year! I say you don't roll over. Play to win, and put the "passing yards in a year" record, out of reach!

Daffy Duck

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December 28, 2011 10:56 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:18 AM ET 12.28 by Jim in Houston

Well you know Brees will play as long as an individual record is within his grasp, regardless of the score or need to play.

How would the fans feel if Drew suffered a broken finger while they werte cruising to a 4 touchdown win late in the game Sunday?

Packer stuck in…

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December 28, 2011 11:00 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 08:56 AM ET 12.28 by Lex-LOU-thor

Why leave it in the hands of others. Do the job yourself and get it done. By the way - what is the crap of Atlanta grumbling - tell me they wouldn't have done the same thing if a major milestone was within grasp of one of their iconic players.

If the Falcons have a problem with how many points the Saints put on the scoreboard, maybe they should focus the attention on their own defense instead of the Saints offense.

Melman

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December 28, 2011 11:04 AM ET

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QUOTE(#18):

Originally posted 11:00 AM ET 12.28 by Melman

If the Falcons have a problem with how many points the Saints put on the scoreboard, maybe they should focus the attention on their own defense instead of the Saints offense.

Agreed! They'd of done the same thing if the situation were reversed.

Daffy Duck

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December 28, 2011 12:00 PM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:43 AM ET 12.28 by Flea Biscuit

Looking forward to their matchup against the Packers

Lets hope that's where they are focused, lets hope that they think that the next time they play Atlanta it will be a cake walk, just like they thought Seattle would be ( 7-9 from the lowly NFC West ). Why set your sights so low, why not have them playing someone from the AFC in the Super Bowl?