RUSTY P wrote on Feb 21, 2006 9:11 AM:JUST WHEN YOU THINK IT'S ALL GOOD,BAM!HERE WE GO AGAIN. WHERE'S THE LOVE?

Dee Tee wrote on Feb 21, 2006 10:34 AM:this is just outragous!!!!what happened to team chemistry? A.J. One step forward and ten steps back.

Lee wrote on Feb 21, 2006 11:53 AM:I think AJ Smith is a little full of himself. After he got lucky on the Eli Manning pick he's looking to be the tough guy. Of course, the problem starts with Dean Spanos who is more interested in playing golf and kissing Arnold's butt then winning football.

JP wrote on Feb 21, 2006 12:40 PM:This article was written in a very skewed manner. It suggests that the Chargers are actively trying to divest themselves of Brees. The fact of the matter is the guy suffered an injury which could be an ongoing problem at a time when he is also asking for big-time guaranteed money. Unfortunately for Brees, the Chargers have leverage. Brees is hurt and the Bolts have Rivers. They're exercising that leverage. Good for them.

sean c wrote on Feb 21, 2006 12:46 PM:fear not my fellow bolt fans there is a charger savior who has been waiting patiently. he is a proven leader. his work ethic is tomlinsonesque. he has the quickest release since marino. he started 51 straight in college.and he is six foot five!get ready for tears of joy when tomlinson & rivers are hoisting the lombardy trophy in san diego, philip you`re the man!

Savage Lizard wrote on Feb 21, 2006 1:31 PM:JP is right on the money. It's a negotiation. Unlike what most charger fans seem to think, a negotiation isn't A.J. handing a blank check to Brees and Condon.

Jack wrote on Feb 21, 2006 1:41 PM:As the sun slowly sets in the West, the Chargers sink again to play in the basement till the new guy understands the pros! Good Luck to Brees, where ever he lands, he will do good! Thanks for the Memories!!!

Vinnie D wrote on Feb 21, 2006 2:26 PM:Brees has proved beond a dought that this was his team.I think both sides have to take a deep breath and think this one out.I think the team is taking a step backwards without him

alyssa wrote on Feb 21, 2006 2:53 PM:It seems to me that AJ smith has made some good decisions in the past, especially with how well Luis Castillo and Shawne Merriman performed this year. And I'm sure Philip Rivers is really capable. But shouldn't they keep Brees and at least let the two compete for the starting job?? I mean, we don't want to have to depend on Feeley if Rivers gets injured. I don't want to be singing the woulda coulda shouldas next year because we have the reincarnation of Ryan Leaf. It seems to me someone like AJ who hates uncertainty would be willing to part with a little of the salary cap for a proven QB vs. one he hopes can make it.

Sick of Losing wrote on Feb 21, 2006 3:53 PM:i think AJ Smith has done a fair job so far, but remember when AJ & John Butler played hardball with John Carney?? We didn't have a decent kicker for 3-4 years until Kaeding, and Carney is still making field goals. i hope Rivers earns his salary and is a great player, but if not this move might be as bad as drafting Ryan Leaf.

Ry wrote on Feb 21, 2006 4:32 PM:The bottom line, a shoulder injury does not just go away. Brees is good guy,and brings a lot of chemistry to the team. Rivers, may need to be given a few games to start to let Brees continue to heal. If Brees contract is up and he wants more $$ let him go...I believe Rivers is still the man!!

Fin Fan In Cali wrote on Feb 21, 2006 5:39 PM:To the Bolt fans I feel for you. I am hoping that Miami picks Brees up, because I think he will help us a lot! I wish the Bolts and there fans the very best in 2006, but Brees you are more them welcome in Miami Brother!

Charger fan wrote on Feb 21, 2006 5:40 PM:I think that AJ is looking to get a deal done before the draft. If it doesnt happen (at his price) then he knows what direction to go in the draft. If Brees does sign (which I hope he will) then you will see Rivers traded before the draft, and we will be looking at 2 first round picks. It amazes me how quickly people are jumping off the wagon already, the same people who complained of the chargers trading away the #1 pick for LT, and brees.

Andrew W wrote on Feb 21, 2006 5:49 PM:philip rivers showed he was capable of being a starting quarterback in the game against Denver. All he needs is a few games under his belt and I think he is capable of leading the chargers to the playoffs in the future.

Robert V. of Chula Vista wrote on Feb 21, 2006 6:08 PM:Lets get on with it and it's over! Shottenheimer screwed up for under- utilizing and under-achieving with the talent at his disposal. Shottenheimer knows he's at the end of the line, this year, PERIOD! A.J. Smith is not waiting for anyone and is moving forward, as he should. Brees was good but not earth shattering, good numbers but with limitations. Brees took too long to read and release the ball. When Brees was hurried, costly interceptions or fumbles ensued. Linebackers converged with multiple blitz packages and stacked the line to dare Brees to pass and he failed time and time again. So come on San Diego, GET OVER IT! I preditcted Brees to be gone, so it's now Phillip Rivers turn at the helm. It's time to see what he can do for $40 MILLION. I tell you what, he can throw deep and accuratly. Nothing wrong with his mechanics and he can see over the lineman where Brees couldn't. A.J. Smith is cleaning house of dead weight and is doing what a good General Manager should be doing! A.J. Smith is doing exactly what I would be doing. Instead of Oceanside the Chargers should seriously consider Chula Vista, plenty of land available. Great Job Chargers!

Ed F wrote on Feb 21, 2006 6:43 PM:How can the Chargers turn their back on Drew? AJ Smith is using Brees injury as an excuse. He has wanted to let Brees go ever since he drafted Rivers. How can he continue to pay three quarterbacks? Brees is a know commodity. He has proven he can win in the league. I bet Brees would get a charge playing for the Raiders and letting the Chargers have it on the football field. Smith should reconsider and get him to sign a long term contract.

sean c. wrote on Feb 21, 2006 7:14 PM:we already have a lot of cap space invested in rivers. instead of spending whats left on an injured QB lets upgrade the o-line & a couple of vicious (a la Rodney Hharrison type) defenders. and we will be SCARY ! look where the colts are after wasting ridiculous ammounts of cap space on manning.we will be awesome for years to come. Put on the face paint & get loud (so opponents offensive line can`t here snap count). lets go BOLTS !

Larry wrote on Feb 21, 2006 7:43 PM:AJ if you do this, it’s not only goodbye Brees, but goodbye Super Bowl, Goodbye stadium, and goodbye San Diego. What a sad day to be a Chargers fan, I’ve lost all confidence in AJ, maybe it’s time for him go.

Bob wrote on Feb 21, 2006 7:54 PM:Right on Sean! It's about time we get to see what Philip Rivers can do with this team. Marty will finally be forced to play Philip Rivers.....if he would have given him some practice and playing time this past year, maybe Philip would have been given a fair chance to be ready when called upon after Brees' injury. The blame is not with A.J.....it is with Marty who continues to be the real problem with the Chargers. Big Ben proved that a rookie quarterback can be the answer if given the chance.....Philip Rivers will be the answer to the Chargers Super Bowl win!

Patrick wrote on Feb 22, 2006 2:07 AM:It is really to bad that A.J. Smith's ego is more important to him than than what is best for this team. It was good having the team in San Diego, but this will help them move out of town.

Dee Tee wrote on Feb 22, 2006 9:09 AM:Is everyone NUTS? The Chargers have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl next year have you seen our schedule? As long as we dont pull a Indy and blow it in the playoffs. Do you seriosly think that a first year starting QB is going to ba able to pull that off WAKE UP Charger fans!!!The Clock is ticking... tic tic tic. Oh by the way ask LT or Randall G how they really feel about it all?

ALFONSO S wrote on Feb 22, 2006 9:09 AM:BREES IS THE LEADER OF THE TEAM NO MATTER WHAT ANYBODY SAYS.HOW ARE YOU GOING TO BREAK UP THAT CHEMISTRY THAT BREES AND GATES HAVE?AND WHAT ABOUT WHAT lt and bress have? THIS IS RIDICULOUS !!!!!!! SOMEBODY PLEASE ANSWER ME !!!!!!!!

GN wrote on Feb 22, 2006 10:12 AM:Bottom line, Smith is just arrogant. He's fallen pray to what happened to Beathard. He thinks he can evaluate talent even better than observing actual performance. The facts are very simple and they show that Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. So why is Smith willing to pay an unproven PR millions but won't pay a proven Brees. The math just doesn't make sense. So he is either just using a negotiating tactic or arrogant.

Jimbo wrote on Feb 22, 2006 10:43 AM:I feel sorry for Rivers. Too much will be expected in his first year. Big Ben, with a 22 passer rating in the Super Bowl, had the luxury of letting his team win the championship for him. Not the case in SD. Also PR will always have the question hanging over him that he never won the starting job from Brees, despite being a #4 pick.

edward g. wrote on Feb 22, 2006 12:23 PM:AJ, I Believe- Go For It. PR is the Future!!

Postman wrote on Feb 22, 2006 2:56 PM:Do you think Drew would wear Silver-n-Black just to prove a point?

sean c. wrote on Feb 22, 2006 4:03 PM:obviously AJ has been observing rivers in practice for two years, he has seen plenty of chemistry between philip & all of our offensive weapons . next up free agency and enough money left over for the draft. can you feel the adrenalin!!

Gnarly Charlie wrote on Feb 22, 2006 4:45 PM:AJ knows what he's doing. He's made some pretty nice moves in the draft and in free agency. Do Steve Foley, Mike Goff, Shawn Merriman, and Luis Castillo ring a bell? Rivers is AJ's guy and has been from the start. Brees is damaged goods right now, so it's a risk either way. Let's use this $20 million we have under the cap and surround Rivers with a great team.

bolt fan wrote on Feb 22, 2006 4:56 PM:Do the right thing....If they hadn't had Brees playing in that "nothing" game...Rivers would have got some real playing time, and Brees wouldn't have gotten hurt. Keep Brees...Get Rivers some playing time and Get the Chargers to the Super Bowl.....Don't make any hasty decisions...What may look good on paper may not turn out to be what you bargain for...remember the Leaf drama!!? I say stick with Brees....

sara wrote on Feb 22, 2006 8:18 PM:Philip Rivers is no Ryan Leaf so get over that one! It will be great seeing what this talented young QB can do for San Diego. He has not been given the chance to prove himself that he so very much deserves. He has been patient and not a winer or complainer like some "hot shots" would be. That in itself should say something about his character. Comparing him to Leaf is an insult! I agree that Brees is damaged goods now......it will take a lot longer for him to heal than everyone thinks. The Chargers drafted Rivers for a reason, now is the time to see why.....no one is jumping off any bandwagon.....we just want to see the Chargers go to the next level and Philip Rivers can take them there!

SD wrote on Feb 22, 2006 8:46 PM:This is dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!not keeping drew brees..how is rivers going to have the chemistry as drew already has.....so keep him and you guys should also should upgrade the o-line thats how he got hurt in the first place....>>>>!!!

DCBOLT wrote on Feb 23, 2006 5:20 AM:AJ is looking at NYJ situation with CP. It is a smart "business" move. Nothing else. Has nothing to do with talent. Has to do with mitigation of risk to the future of the organization.

Satanic Raider wrote on Feb 23, 2006 6:02 AM:The Raiders will get Brees and he will BURN SD for years!!!

Weston wrote on Feb 23, 2006 6:53 AM:How can many of you critisize the job Marty has done. I would be really dissapointed if AJ let Brees go but I don't think that is going to happen. I bet Brees signs a LT deal before March 3. I do not understand how anyone is negative about the jobs that AJ and Marty have done with this team, some people just love to complain.

SDr8erh8er wrote on Feb 23, 2006 8:21 AM:I think a deal will get done to keep Brees in S.D. Give him $4 million base for next year with incentives that will get it to $9 million if he has the same numbers as the average of the last two years. If he can do that, then a five year option automatically kicks in at what he would have been worth before the injury -- and everyone is happy...except Phillip Rivers. Rivers can ride the pine one more year and we trade him for a second round draft pick in 2007. There, problem solved.

Danik wrote on Feb 23, 2006 12:01 PM:I'm concerned about the fact that this organization lets talent go year in and year out. We suffered for 3 years on the kicking team because of it. Low balling is not going to get you anywhere in the NFL,(see Lions)and the AFC west is going to be fiercly competitive for the next few years. I look forward to seeing how Rivers does this preseason, but I didn't expect to lose Brees before it starts. Hello? We will also lose Ben Leber and Reche Caldwell as well???? Why am I a die hard Charger fan? This stinks.

morgan aka bolt woman wrote on Feb 23, 2006 12:49 PM:Brees is gone, thanks for the tease.If he chooses a team in our division he will have to endure "lights out" twice a year & end up punch drunk. His best chances for success would be in the NFC Rivers is a tall, smart & a heady player. An accurate passer & a winner ! His jersey is retired at NC state & one day it will be hanging next to Dan Fouts jersey!

Michael wrote on Feb 23, 2006 2:34 PM:I know you guys don't believe this but A.J. is making the right move. No one knows how well Brees will heal. His arm strength was mediocre at best before the injury. That's why teams packed the box against the Chargers. They dare Brees to beat them deep. And most of the time, he couldn't. Don't get me wrong, I like Brees' leadership ability. He has certainly come a long way. However, these facts remain. 1. The offensive line needs repair! 2. The secondary needs repair! 3. They need a possession WR. ...and until these things are fixed....the QB situation is irrelevant. 2007 will be the Chargers year. It's going to take at least a year for the new secondary and offensive line to gel. In that time, Rivers' worth will be realized...and Brees...if he signs...should be complete ready for whatever role designated to him. These things take time gentlemen.

WADE wrote on Feb 23, 2006 2:43 PM:GREAT JOB, AJ! Thanks for having the guts to standby your convictions. The QB drafted after Rivers won the Super Bowl and Cincinnati benched their Pro Bowl QB to play Carson Palmer and look the playoffs followed. If you want to be the NY Jets sign Drew. Rivers is a big time player, give the guy a chance and you'll see the numbers.

brees_da_best wrote on Feb 23, 2006 7:16 PM:people people people!!! brees is da chargers QB, not rivers, yea u can pay as unproven QB (PR) 8 million and u dont want to pay a proven pro bowler 9 million! what is wrong with AJ not signing brees! brees has da best personality a QB could have, dis guy was disrespected when AJ drafted PR(traded, u guys know da Eli story) and still he wants to be a Charger! if i was in brees situation i wouldnt even let da chargers talk to me about a contract, i will get da big bucks somewhere else, but i respect brees that he still wants to be a charger for life and u true charges fans should too respect him, thats why he is my favorite player in da NFL, no matter where brees goes if AJ is dum enough to not sign him he will still be my favorite player 4ever and wish him a great hall of fame career. brees, keep ur head up 4ever, aight

Kim wrote on Feb 24, 2006 5:49 AM:You guys just wait. I'm a big NC State and Philip Rivers fan. You will love the guy and I feel sure he won't let you down. He is unbelievable and you won't just fall in love with his demeanor and attitude but his mechanics as a QB as well. Good Luck!

Gene wrote on Feb 24, 2006 6:37 AM:Brees is a loser. he posted great numbers for two and everybody jumps on the bandwagon and proclaimes him Come Back player of the year. Numbera are great in the fantasy league but it wins in the big games that count that count and on that count brees is a loser. i like the guy too but I say he had his shot this year. He shined two years ago and got to the playoffs (a short stay) and then back to earth this year. Rivers is a winner. He finds a way. Just ask opposing players he has played against. And he has been the MVP of every Bowl Game (post season games)he has played in. He's a coach on the field. He refuses to lose. I hope Drew gets a great contract somewhere but i can not wait to see what Rivers can do. Mark my word. This guy is going to rewrite the book.

Hobart wrote on Feb 24, 2006 8:50 PM:Free rivers! let my brees go!!

Morgan aka Bolt Woman wrote on Feb 25, 2006 8:04 PM:Brees fans , Don`t be afraid to win.Rivers is our new Super (CHARGER) HERO!! Scream for me San Diego! Scream for your team.Be the 12th man

supercharger wrote on Feb 27, 2006 2:19 PM:If Drew leaves.. this team will be lucky to get 3-4 wins this season. Folks we got this far just to go back to square one with a green signal caller.. that is sad and this is bad business practice.. you want to WIN stick with a proven QB in the NFL not college. This league is not the ACC.. Mr. Smith dont break this team back to its ancient history we've past that stage a long time ago.. like the last two (season) years!!!

Blake wrote on Feb 28, 2006 9:37 PM:I am hoping Rivers can start. When we got him I knew it was a good choice. I was hoping he'd start his rookie year but since a contract could not be agreed on soon enough he missed some training camp which gave brees the starting Job. I like Brees and hope he gets the contract he gets...with another team. He did suffer an injury and had surgery because of it, we also have Rivers who is a great QB and I know he will be a great NFL QB. So I am looking forward to Rivers being the starter. How I think he's going to do his first year starting if he gets the job...not sure, playoffs? Hope so. But his 2nd and 3rd year as a starter for the chargers will be great, i'm sure! Go Rivers!

Hsu wrote on Feb 28, 2006 11:29 PM:the last blogger is correct. The Chargers are only doing this because they are cheap. This is a business decision! Why would you let a pro bowl qb walk, when there have been countless top-5 pick qbs busts in NFL history. People who are backing Rivers have ZERO EVIDENCE that Rivers is the better man. You are as good as a mel kiper if you think River is the answer, when in fact Brees is the proven commodity.

Aldrin wrote on Mar 3, 2006 6:50 PM:Why do people think Brees is not a good QB? Just don't understand. The guy worked his butt off and the offence of lined didn't protect him as much. Come on people he pretty much got sacked all the time. He's not the only one, LT once he get's the ball he's down. People we need the front line to get better and bunch of other stuff that need's to imporve not the QB. Remember you need a team. Shoot the Chargers were never in the spot light until Brees, LT, and Gates. All around the sports news thought they were the most feared offence of the future.