Brees checks emotions before Patriots game

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is trying to cool the hype surrounding Monday night's contest against New England at the Superdome.

The Saints are 10-0 for the first time in franchise history, but face a major challenge against Tom Brady and the Patriots, magnified by the questionable status of key injured players, mostly on defense -- linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), end Bobby McCray (knee/back), and cornerbacks Randall Gay (hamstring) and Jabari Greer (groin).

"I'm not trying to make this game any bigger than it is, and I'm certainly not trying to make it quarterback against quarterback," Brees said this week. "In the end, you want the result to be the same -- you win football games and you win championships."

Brees leads the NFL with 22 touchdown passes to 14 for Brady, who relies on two of the game's best receivers, Randy Moss and Wes Welker.