METAIRIE, La. (AP) - Drew Brees believes the Saints' offense is close to where it needs to be.

The Saints - and Brees - started slowly this year in the absence of coach Sean Payton, who was suspended for the season for his role in the NFL bounty's investigation of New Orleans.

Through three games, Brees was 75 of 137 (54.7 percent) for 904 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions. The Saints lost all three.

In the last three games, he is 91 of 136 (66.9 percent) for 1,192 yards, 11 TDs and two interceptions. The Saints are 2-1 in those games; losing at Green Bay 28-27 before beating San Diego and Tampa Bay.

Next up: a date in Denver with Peyton Manning and the Broncos on Sunday night.

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