SAN ANTONIO (Dec. 14, 2005) -- Struggling New Orleans Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks has been benched for the rest of the season.
"It's not an indictment of Aaron whatsoever," coach Jim Haslett said after practice. "It's an indictment on our record."
Haslett said he was replacing Brooks with Todd Bouman because of the Saints' 3-10 record.
"I think the team will rally around Todd," Haslett said. "This was the time to see if Todd could handle the situation."
Brooks, struggling through his worst year in seven seasons, said he didn't argue when told of Haslett's decision.
"I just took it like a man," Brooks said. "I accept it. Ain't nothing I can do about it anyway."
The Saints play the Carolina Panthers in Baton Rouge, La.
The decision will end Brooks' franchise record for consecutive starts by a quarterback at 82.
Brooks has thrown 17 interceptions and 13 touchdown passes this season, marking the first time in his career he's had more interceptions than scoring passes. He also has a career-worst 70.0 quarterback rating.
He thinks he'll be traded or released by the Saints in the offseason.
"If I don't take another snap for the New Orleans Saints, I've done some tremendous things for this organization," he said.
Bouman is in his eighth season. A backup who did not play his first four seasons, Bouman played in six games -- three as a starter -- for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2001 and 2002 seasons. He signed with the Saints in 2003.
He has completed five of 13 passes this season with one interception that was returned for a touchdown.
