Quick takes from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees' news conference Wednesday:

1. The Saints' familiarity with the Rams' defensive concepts, in part, stems from the fact that Los Angeles defensive coordinator Gregg Williamsserved in the same capacity on Saints Coach Sean Payton'sstaff from 2009-11. Brees and the offense often worked against Williams' defense in practice. "I know what I see on film," Brees said. "I know that the things he has done in the past is part of his scheme. I know that he's a very good defensive coach and I know that he's going to have some things for us, I'm sure, that we haven't seen or that are new. So, my philosophy going into every game is always to expect the unexpected, to trust our rules, to trust in our plan and then to just go out and execute it."

2. Like Payton, Brees knows how dangerous and disruptive Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donaldhas been, and can be. "He might be one of the most talented interior guys there is, just his energy, his motor and his ability both in the run game and the pass game to be extremely disruptive. A guy you've got to have a plan for in both phases. You know he's going to make some plays, you hope to contain him as much as you can."

3. Most who have interviewed right tackle Zach Striefcome away impressed with his ability to succinctly answer all questions. Those smarts are apparent to his teammates, too, who are just as impressed that the 11-year veteran is having one of his best seasons. "He's one of the most intelligent football players that I've ever been around," Brees said. "When you talk to him about his technique and scheme and just how to block certain guys – that whole line works together, too – (but) he's such a smart, tough football player. I'm really happy for the season that he's having because he certainly deserves it and he's worked so hard to be at this point."