The New Orleans Saints are entering their third consecutive season without future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. This time around, though, they'll have their best replacement since he left, Derek Carr. 

New Orleans has weapons for Carr to be productive with like wide receivers Michael Thomas and Chris Olave, running backs Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, plus a familiar face in tight end Foster Moreau from his days with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Now, it's on Carr to come and hit the lab to be the best quarterback he can for a Saints team that has a legitimate chance to win the NFC South now that Tom Brady has retired. Well, much like Brady will be in Canton very soon, so will Brees, and Carr is dissecting how he did things in New Orleans. 

"I've been really studying Drew," said Carr. "And the way that he made decisions because now I know the offense, a little bit. As you continue to watch him you understand why he's making certain decisions because he was around these guys more times than I've been around them."

Is there a better person to study?

Brees spent 20 seasons in the NFL, but his 15 years with the Saints (2006-2020) are what people remember the most. 

Brees was a five-time All-Pro, made 12 Pro Bowls, led the league in passing yards seven times, was tops in passing touchdowns four times, and led the NFL in completion percentage six times (set the single-season record of 74.4 in 2018) during his days with the Saints. He also brought the only Super Bowl title to New Orleans in 2009 and was named the MVP of the game.

As the Saints go through their OTA program and mandatory minicamp, Carr is in a crucial stage when it comes to building chemistry and timing with his new weapons.

Carr isn't just looking to master the Saints' offense, he wants to be in a position where everything becomes second nature as soon as possible. 

"I'm trying my best to get as far ahead as I can so I don't feel like it's just Year one again," Carr said. "I learned my lesson last year. I thought I was doing things the right way but I think I'm better at attacking it this year in that aspect."

Carr has some big shoes to fill, and he's making strides to make sure he's as prepared as he can to do so.

Feature image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports