This Is Not How Drew Brees Was Supposed To Go Out

Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks ever to play in the NFL. He’s given the league 20 hard-earned, successful years, but it looks like his time has finally come to an end. With every beginning, there is an end, but this one feels ... wrong.

This isn’t how the Saints legend was supposed to go out.

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on the road to knock New Orleans out of the playoffs, and a poor performance from Brees was a significant factor in the 30-20 loss. He threw three interceptions, two of which led directly to points for the Bucs.

It was ugly, and now we are left wondering if one of the NFL greats is truly done. Surely not, right?

To anyone who watched the game, it's clear that Brees should retire. He's a shell of his former self, and that is actually hurting the Saints. The defense played well enough to win. In fact, the defense has had Brady's number this year. In three games, he averaged only 215.7 passing yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions. But on Sunday, his subpar performance didn't matter. Why? Because Brees was worse. A lot worse.

Brees will always be remembered as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who threw for 80,000-plus yards and 571 touchdowns. He's also a good guy who completely changed the culture in New Orleans and did much for the city.

It's tough to see him go out like this -- if it is, in fact, his final NFL game.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.