Vilma's story becoming eerily similar to Brees'

Apr/02/08 07:34 PM Filed in: Jonathan Vilma
JonathanVilma
Two seasons ago, Drew Brees was shown the door by the Chargers after he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder during the 2005 season finale. Brees, thought by some to be damaged goods, joined the Saints the next season and set career highs for completions and passing yards while leading the team to the NFC championship game. One source in New Orleans said he sees in MLB Jonathan Vilma a mirror to Brees’ story. Vilma was sent packing by the Jets in a trade with the Saints after he missed the final nine games of last season with a right knee injury. A Pro Bowler in 2005, Vilma was moved from his natural position in the middle when coach Eric Mangini implemented a 3-4 defense in New York before the 2006 season. Vilma struggled in the new system but will return to a 4-3 defense in New Orleans and has shown in past seasons he has the ability to carry a defense, which is exactly the kind of linebacker the Saints have lacked the past two seasons.

(profootballweekly.com)