Brees keeping close tabs on Saints' changing line
METAIRIE, La. (AP) -- Drew Brees is coming to grips with the fact that a couple familiar faces will be missing from the table when he joins the offensive line for dinner each week.
That also means two new starters among the five guys protecting Brees on every play, a change that doesn't necessarily worry the Saints quarterback, but does have his attention.
Brees says chemistry among the five linemen is crucial and often takes longer to develop than at other position groups.
New Orleans lost former starting center Jonathan Goodwin in free agency and on Monday released five-year starting right tackle Jon Stinchcomb.
Newly acquired veteran Olin Kreutz will take over at center, while either veteran reserve Zach Strief or 2010 second-round pick Charles Brown will play right tackle.