Proud Patriots defense bracing for Brees, Saints in New England's toughest test of season

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Chicago.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (The Associated Press)

ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, OCT. 12-13 FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2013 file photo, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, in Chicago. Brees is near the top of the NFL quarterback rankings. Tom Brady is far down the list from his customary spot. The Patriots and Saints play Sunday, Oct. 13 in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) (The Associated Press)

New England's defense is in for its toughest test of the season Sunday, when quarterback Drew Brees leads the high-powered New Orleans Saints (5-0) into a highly anticipated clash with the Patriots (4-1).

Brees has thrown for 1,722 yards, second only to Denver's Peyton Manning.

"He'll never stare down a receiver and throw it straight to him," New England cornerback Aqib Talib said. "He's going to look you off on screens and everything. He's going to do a great job with his eyes."

Brees has 12 touchdowns and four interceptions this season, guiding the Saints to their first 5-0 start since 2009.

New England has only defeated one team — the New York Jets (3-2) — with a winning record.