Sean Payton is the only person who still believes in Drew Brees

Drew Brees had a rough first half on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, and social media let him know about it

The New Orleans Saints entered the Week 5 edition of Monday Night Football, with many expecting Drew Brees to put on a show, like he does on an annual basis. Yet, it was Los Angeles Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert who has caught the positive attention for his tremendous first half against the Saints. However, Brees caught some negative social media interactions.

The 41-year-old quarterback’s age showed against the Chargers, as he struggled to hit his receivers and his arm strength looked depleted to nothing. Many on Twitter were actually calling for head coach Sean Payton to bench Brees in favor of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Jameis Winston! That’s how bad of a first half Brees had.

Brees’ performance was concerning, to say the least

Brees’ first half effort gave football fans vibes of Peyton Manning in his final year in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. The once-mighty quarterback who could put the team on his back and march his troops into the end zone was a shell of his former self. Brees gave us those unwanted memories. A hero that looked like it was time to step away from the game for good.

The signal-caller with a laundry list of accomplishments couldn’t throw the ball accurately when targeting his receiver more than 10-yards downfield. A prime example of that came on New Orleans’ fifth drive of the game. On third-and-four, Brees targeted wideout Bennie Fowler deep downfield. However, Brees just didn’t have enough power behind his throw, causing it to float over Fowler’s head and into the waiting arms of Chargers rookie safety Nasir Adderley, who returned it for a 39-yard gain and set the Chargers up on New Orleans’ own one-yard line. Seriously, it looked like Adderley was waiting for a punt.

Brees would reach the end zone before halftime, albeit on a goal-line dive. In the first half, Brees completed 12-of-22 pass attempts for 93 yards and an interception.

If this game proved anything, it’s that Payton won’t be benching Brees any time soon. The true test will be how the quarterback performs with star receiver Michael Thomas back in the mix. If the struggles continue, then the calls for Winston will only get louder.