Brees' exit opens doors for Rivers
By: Jay Paris - Staff Writer | ∞
Drew Brees
Unlike most San Diegians, Drew Brees had little trouble finding a new home at the right price. Although, it meant going to New Orleans.
Brees, the Chargers' ex-quarterback, secured a $10 million signing bonus Tuesday when agreeing to a six-year, $60 million contract with the Saints.
That $10 million is roughly the figure the Chargers would have owed Brees if they had designated him as their 2006 franchise or transition player. When General Manager A.J. Smith declined taking that risk considering Brees' recent shoulder surgery, Brees was set free.
For weeks, Brees' impending departure has provided fodder for countless chat-room and water-cooler debates. Still, Smith was comfortable with his decision to let one of San Diego's most beloved athletes head elsewhere, knowing ex-North Carolina State star Philip Rivers was waiting in the wings, even if countless Chargers backers are bemoaning the switch.
After years of searching for a productive starter after Stan Humphries' retirement after the 1997 season, Brees brought stability to the position.
“I don't agree with it, based upon what we were lacking before Brees stepped up,” said Chargers fan Shane Lamb of Cardiff. “Now we've got an unproven guy.”
Rivers, who has thrown 30 NFL passes, is confident he's better prepared for the starting role than if this chance came earlier.
“No question,” Rivers said from his Carmel Valley home, while trying to quiet his two young daughters. “I certainly felt going into my rookie year that as player I was confident, excited and ready to go. But there is no question two years later, in year three, how much more prepared and ready I am to step in and not just play, but perform at a high level that is needed to get what we need to do, done.”
Added head coach Marty Schottenheimer: “I think (Rivers) is the kind of player that will develop quickly because of his instincts and intellect and an understanding of what he's being asked to do.”
Brees' departure was expected, as Smith had medical concerns about the one-time Purdue star. Brees suffered a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff when he hurt his right (throwing) shoulder in the 2005 season finale while trying to recover a fumble.
After January's surgery, Brees was adamant about returning to his Pro Bowl-level of play, boasting he was four months ahead of his rehabilitation schedule. But the combination of his injury and the Chargers being anxious to get Rivers on the field led them to roll the dice with Brees.
“Did A.J. draft me? No,” Brees said recently. “Did A.J. draft Philip? Enough said.”
Smith actually traded for Rivers, but Brees' point is obvious.
Rivers, 24, is as certain the Chargers' offense won't miss a beat with him conducting it.
“That's one thing I think that is important: we're not having a setback,” stressed Rivers, who has never started an NFL game. “Now that I get an opportunity to be the quarterback, I don't want congratulations; that is not what it's all about. It's ‘Let's go and let's keep it going.' I have a chance to be a part of a team that is trying to do something special and that is the key focus. Not, ‘Oh well, we'll wait around and see how this plays out; the Chargers are in for a bumpy road.' That is not the case.”
Brees leaves, but his play won't be forgotten.
After a subpar 2003 season in which he was benched twice in favor of veteran Doug Flutie, Brees followed with a Pro Bowl season. Brees, who threw 27 touchdowns against but seven interceptions, led the Chargers to the 2004 AFC West title -- their first playoff appearance since 1995 -- and was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.
The Chargers, though, weren't convinced Brees should be anointed the quarterback of the future via a long-term pact. They designated him their franchise player, guaranteeing him $8 million for last season.
Brees' encore to his Pro Bowl year was solid. He finished as the NFL's 10th-rated passer, tossing 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions; he passed for a career-high 3,576 yards. In six games, he threw for more than 250 yards, twice, more than 300. In eight games, he had at least two touchdown passes.
But the Chargers played hardball with Brees, as his injured shoulder allowed them additional leverage. Insulted by the Chargers' offer in a long-term deal which had less than half of the guarantee he would eventually receive from the Saints, Brees didn't hesitate to flee.
The Saints were joined by the Miami Dolphins as the most serious candidates for Brees' services. But Miami traded for the Minnesota Vikings' Daunte Culpepper on Tuesday, opening the door for the Saints to pounce on Brees.
Said Rivers: “I would hope one thing the fans and my teammates can be sure of is what they are going to get from me is a guy who plays with a lot of emotion, that cares as much as he can care.
“I'm not doing it alone. I have a ton of help and I'm surrounded by a lot of great players and coaches. I would hope the fans jump on board and continue to pull for the Chargers and keep us going in the direction we want to go.”
Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.
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teresa wrote on Mar 15, 2006 8:04 AM:The Chargers show no loyalty to players, and as fans thats why we have no loyalty for the Chargers.
Steve wrote on Mar 15, 2006 9:19 AM:Why should get get behind another Ryan Leaf, " play me or trade me". Remember that Philip?
Ture Bolt Fan wrote on Mar 15, 2006 9:20 AM:I hope you are speaking for yourself, Teresa...because regardless of what decisions the chargers make a fan is still a fan..so please refrain from saying "we have no loyality for the chagers"..when cleary you cant speak for all the fans...Go Chargers! and Lets support Rivers...
lp wrote on Mar 15, 2006 9:27 AM:Rivers is a good untested QB. He is feeling pretty confident about running the offense in the offseason. When the pads come on and he has to deal with NFL game speed, let see if he still feels like he does. He is the future for the Chargers but I think it will take a few years before we see him as a viable NFL QB.
Go Chargers wrote on Mar 15, 2006 9:56 AM:You're right Steve..why should YOU get behind Rivers...here's an idea dont..and dont go to the games..and dont be a bandwagaon fan when the chargers are kickn' butt...It is what it is you are either a fan and support them..or you pick another team..i hear the Raiders are looking for more fans..
Level Head wrote on Mar 15, 2006 10:08 AM:I appreciate Drew Brees and what he has done for the Chargers. He is a pro's pro, and the consumate teammate. He's been a classy guy, and has represented the Chargers and San Diego well. Good luck to Drew in New Orleans. I think, as a quarterback, Drew reached a point where he probably wasn't going to get a whole lot better. Those of you who think a major step backwards is coming, I ask you, "Is Philip Rivers capable of winning 9 games this season?" Because that's what you got from Drew Brees last season. "Is Philip Rivers's upside better than Brees's?" I think so. I don't think the Chargers will take a significant step backward, and in fact, may well reach double digits this year and reach the playoffs. There is no better scenario to start an "unproven" quarterback in the NFL than one who: A. Has been extremely successful at every level he's played, B. Has a few years experience learning from a veteran, and C. Has a star-studded, talentend, veteran group of teammates to help him get started. Now's the time to support the CHARGERS and their new quarterback, and salute Drew Brees for a job well done. By the way, Philip Rivers, couldn't be any more different than Ryan Leaf, Steve...He's a hard worker, he's personable, he's smart, and he understands the situation he finds himself in.
RT wrote on Mar 15, 2006 1:27 PM:I beieve that letting Brees go was a good move. The difference is that Brees is a good runner but as far as accuracy is concerned, both are equal. If you look at what letting Brees will mean in cost, the Chargers can now go and build up Rivers' protection by getting better secondary players and getting a better pulling guard so that he becomes more efective than Brees. Remember, Brees took a while to get going and I believe that Rivers will move faster. If Rivers gets hurt, Cleo Lemon is really another great backup. I am sorry to see Brees go but keeping him, would have made the salary cap higher for the Chargers but this way, the Chargers can go out and get more players instead of putting all of that money out to pay Brees. I don't believe that there is that much difference between Brees and Rivers and I think that we should give Rivers a chance. In fact, I believe that I would break the normal "one Quarterback" concept and make both of them fight for the position; however, this does not seem to be a problem any more. Welcome, Phil Rivers!! Good luck to you and good luck to Drew Brees. Thank you for making the Chargers an exciting team.
Adam wrote on Mar 15, 2006 4:02 PM:The pressure is all on Rivers now. He's getting a Chargers team that's ready to win. In one year, he'll either prove that he's the real deal, or he'll make like a tree and Leaf.
Level Head 2 wrote on Mar 15, 2006 8:02 PM:I think Steve needs to get real. Comparing Phillip Rivers to Ryan Leaf is a big insult. LevelHead hits the nail on the head about Phillip Rivers. Look out Charger fans.....are you ready for some football?!?!?!?!??!!
chris wrote on Mar 16, 2006 12:48 AM:note to philip "you can hope in hand and poo in the other , see which one is filled first " i like his confidence , but it is not a results based attitude and until such time as the requisite results are exhibited i can't help but consider the situation as anything but a setback . best of luck philip
Montana Charger wrote on Mar 16, 2006 7:37 AM:Sorry to inform you RT, but we traded Cleo Lemon to the Dolphins last year for AJ Feeley. Our backup QB situation leaves little to be desired. I'm not a fan of getting rid of a proven commodity (Brees) in favor of an unknown (Rivers), but I'll be cheering the Chargers on with everything I have next year.
run the ball wrote on Mar 16, 2006 10:02 AM:we have the best back in the league with LT, with Rivers in at the helm, we will hopefully/thankfully RUN the ball more...we passed way too much last year....with that said, we need to bolster the O-Line...I am excited with this switch, I think it is a good move given the circumstance. I do like Brees, but I think we got away from the core of the football team and that is LT! Pound pound pound....
Bolt Believer wrote on Mar 16, 2006 10:45 AM:In AJ we trust. Listening to the kid speak to the media has only strengthened my opinion of him. He is actually not a kid, he is a mature, classy young MAN. His ascention to NFL STAR status will be as quick as his release. And about the loyalty issue, ask LT if he can count to 60 mil thats what AJ signed him to. If given the chance some of you would spend our cap space as though there was no tomorrow. Philip will win you over & once again AJ will recieve the accolades he deserves !
Vegas Bolt wrote on Mar 16, 2006 12:36 PM:Let the PR era begin! I love it. Long Live AJ. I know NCAA is not NFL, but just to remind a few of you out there, PR played in 5 bowl games (including the Senior Bowl) and was MVP of all of them. As a senior at NC State, he threw for almost 4500 yards, 72% of his passes he completed, had 34 TD's with only 7 picks. Dude is gunna be a star!
Derek wrote on Mar 16, 2006 12:53 PM:Wow Teresa you need to get a clue. I am a die hard CHARGER fan and am always excited each year to see my boy's play win or lose. Please don't speak for us it is obvious you are a fake!! Brees is gone so let's get excited about what is. Comparing Rivers to Leaf shows how unintelligent some of you are. Leaf was a one hit wonder who had a great JUNIOR year and was improperly touted to be a great draft pick. Rivers played through his senior year and is considered one the most efficient and accurate passers to come out of college in years. He was ranked at the top with fewest interceptions to touchdowns allowed. Brees was not going to ever get better ie: winning 1 out of his last 4 games of the season. Teresa I'm sure the Saints would love you to relocate out to beautiful New Orleans home of the NFL Powerhouse AINTS!!! Let's go Rivers and maybe you can actually win us a playoff game something Brees could not do in 4 years as a starter.
S.D.NATIVE wrote on Mar 16, 2006 1:09 PM:I thought we finally had a team,then we do this?what is next,trade LT? Make's as much sence as what we did with brees.
Luis wrote on Mar 16, 2006 3:01 PM:I think its a great scenario for Rivers to take the lead of the Chargers. You have LT (the best HB right now), 3 great recievers (gates, McCardell and parker) and a relentless defense. Lets lean on LT and the defense, thats the way the Steelers have done it with Roethlisberger and it worked great.
Rusty wrote on Mar 16, 2006 4:07 PM:Did anyone watch Drew Brees at the Probowl QB challange two seasons ago? Who one? Drew slaughtered all the QB's that competed. Team leader?? What about the Colts game this past season. One play in particular: LT was out and the back up RB came in. Drew Brees read the Defense made an audible and handed off an 85 yard touchdown. He saw that weekness in the defense and called the right play. Beating adversity? Drew Brees proved that I dont even have to mention how. Sure, the Chargers have some awesome talent but Drew pulled them together, his decision making skills and ability laced the offense together. I think Rivers can eventually do the same. At least that is what I am hoping. But the Saints have a new fan in me. All due to Drew Brees who has proven to me he is a champion.
spadentologist wrote on Mar 16, 2006 4:32 PM:brees is 6 foot rivers 6'5 thats 1 improvement i have meet both, both r pros and its like me playing basketball i dont have the size rivers has been sitting for 2 year he knows the program he is 2nd all time in ncaa passing yards im behind the bolts he may make mistakes but have u seen what happens when a defense brings it all when brees is qb,ing i believe rivers is better thx go bolts
theeproducer323 wrote on Mar 16, 2006 5:30 PM:Damn it's about time!!!!! Brees was never going to get us to the promise land...LETS GOOOOOO RIVERS, GOOD LUCK.
Bolt Woman wrote on Mar 16, 2006 6:38 PM:Teresa don`t get your you know what in a bunch. Look at Philip he even looks like a Super Hero and his resume is sterling If you have heard him speak, his mind is as quick as his throwing motion. He expects to be in the playoffs this year & those who have season tickets get to purchase playoff tickets. Now go get your tickets girl.
RavenBlade wrote on Mar 16, 2006 9:21 PM:1st) Those of you comparing Phillip Rivers to Ryan Leaf, are "Football Idiots". Ryan Leaf had all the chances in the world to be successful in San Diego and did'nt get it done. Besides, Leaf had nowhere near the arsenal of weapons Rivers will have as a starter. He will have a TOP 3 HB in L.T. in every category that counts 4 years running. Not to mention the Absolute best blocking FB in the league in Lorenzo Neal to pave the way for L.T. Not to mention a solid receiver core with McCardell, Gates, and Parker, and don't count out Ahz Akim in the mix. Phillip Rivers has all the skills a young quarterback needs to be successful and a pedigree at every level of competition he has competed in thus far. Plus the guy has the a far better temperment, and attitude than Ryan Leaf ever did as a Charger. Don't forget that Rivers has spent 2 years in the system learning from Drew Brees, and Doug Flutie. That kind of knowledge of your team is invaluable compared to a 1st year rookie in this league. Case in point look at what Steve Young did after a few years on the bench before Joe Montana left the 49'ers. I have great respect for Drew Brees, and the job he did for the Chargers over the last 2 years, but the Fact remains in this day and age, that a Franchise does not spend 42 million on a player just to let him sit on the bench his whole contract. 2nd) What the Chargers really need to be a playoff winner and Superbowl contender right now is 1)An Pro-Bowl caliber O-Line, and a Seriously improved secondary. With our 2 1st round picks from last year, our pass rush can only get better, especially with Merriman as the center piece. I mean this guy is a SuperStar household name waiting to happen. If the Organization does'nt wait to long they can still get a some major upgrades to the O-Line, and at cornerback. Those are the missing pieces in making a serious playoff run, not Phillip Rivers stepping into one of the best overall offenses any 1st year starter could hope for in the NFL
Britt wrote on Mar 17, 2006 7:22 AM:I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was there when Rivers played at North Carolina State. State has always been a hated rival of the Tar Heels. With that being said, I followed every game that Rivers played in college. He was that amazing to watch. I found myself cheering for one of our most hated rivals because of Phillip. As a Chargers Fan since 1979, I may be one of only a few Charger Fans in the state of North Carolina but that will soon change. Show them what you got Phillip!!!!
Xoazaja wrote on Mar 17, 2006 8:58 AM:Brees is gone. That's the end of it. He is a saint now. Forget about him. I liked the guy, as a lot of people here, but i'm a charger fan and i only support this team. The qb is Rivers. I only care about him now. You should do the same and show him some respect. Hard enough is to lead a team as a freshman, he don't need all nonesense comparisons and bitterness from some so called San Diego's fans. Go Rivers, Go Chargers.
Raider Blues wrote on Mar 17, 2006 10:43 AM:This isn`t fair the Chargers get all the talent & now they get a super hero at QB. The Raiders don`t get squat. If this doesn`t change soon I`m going to burn my Darth Vader mask. AL needs to go. Trade up to get Cutler or Lienart I`m sure they could get the ball to Moss and Porter. Hey at least we`ll be picking 1st in the 07 draft. Sometimes I wish I was a Charger fan because I live in SD But things can`t get that much worse, can they?
darren wrote on Mar 17, 2006 4:25 PM:I am a big Brees fan,I would have signed himto a long term deal and traded rivers!not my decision,I am first a chargers fan and therefore a rivers fan,wish all the best to brees but he,s not one of us anymore,I think if rivers fails marty will pay the price,even though it was not his choice for our qb,,,,,,,go CHARGERS
Jimbo wrote on Mar 17, 2006 4:58 PM:The Chargers are not the Steelers. One of the worst pass defenses in the NFL is THE reason why the 2005 Chargers did not make the playoffs. Brees played great as did the rest of the offense. Road wins at Indy and NE? Unthinkable for most teams! The Steelers could have won with AJ Feeley given Rothlisberger's 22 rating in the Super Bowl. Defense wins championships. Now that we are used to real quarterbacking, thanks to Drew Brees, Rivers needs to really step it up or else. We cannot afford to waste LT's time and we can't rely on the defense like the Steelers did. Even great running backs don't last forever.
boohoo Brees wrote on Mar 18, 2006 1:21 AM:First of all LT is in his prime and his tank reads full. P. Manning, E Manning both over rated, Brees as well, saying Brees played great I`m guessing you were on a 6 week bender at the end of the season watching the games on your 3 inch mini screen. Our defense was admirable. Playoff QBs find a way to win, Bottem line is Drew could not beat a depleted New York Jets the year before Once again nice guy but not physically capable of handling a better than average defense. Our defense will be even better this year with additions and another year of playing together that is only going to strengthen chemistry. I will be suprised if we`re not ranked in the top 3 defenses of the league. I understand that you have been brainwashed by Drews positive attitude speil ( johnny you can be anything you put your mind to crap ) sorry but life ain`t fair, all humans are not created equal some have stronger arms & some are taller in stature, Drew played well last season but not when it counted. Rivers middle initials are MVP when it comes to playing in games that count, Bowl games that is, 5 of them. The Brees era is over without so much as a playoff victory. When Rivers puts the crow on your plate, make sure you`ve got an ice cold stadium beer to wash it down with. Jim Rome, the Saints will rue the day they chose Brees over Lienart, The Chargers made the right decision, its becoming a trend. I think I`m suppose to say goodnight now !
chargers07 wrote on Mar 18, 2006 10:48 PM:Brees is now a Saint..funny thing did he wear the same color uniform in Purdue? Im sure he will do well in the Big Easy.. as for our newly anointed QB start earning that big contract and dont let us down WE are counting on YOU.. we got this far just pick up the slack.. we got your back kid. I know you will do just fine GO CHARGERS!!!
Dabolt wrote on Mar 19, 2006 6:27 PM:C'mon Charger fans, We have been here before, lets just back the team and enjoy the game of football.....The Charger Way!!!!!
Team 1st wrote on Mar 19, 2006 11:21 PM:Hey there is nothing wrong with a little banter amongst Charger fans. Once the season starts we`ll all be backing the Chargers. Nobody can predict the future for all we know Brees & Rivers make the probowl this year. With parity in the NFL the Chargers are as talented as any of the upper echelon teams, maybe more so. Hopefully AJ has another banner draft & our players remain healthy
flash19sd wrote on Mar 21, 2006 12:05 PM:2006 Schedule and Philip Rivers: The Chargers play 6 of the bottom 8 teams in team defense from last year and we play 2 of those 6 teams twice (KC, Oak, Cinn, Buff, Stl, and SF). That means half or our 2006 schedule will be against the defensive bottom feeders and will help Rivers develop the confidence he needs in his first year as a starter. I predict the Cincy game will be a Monday nighter and one of the Denver games will also be a Monday nighter.
lou dogg wrote on Mar 22, 2006 7:52 AM:I know the Chargers are going to do well... I think Rivers is gonna do just fine... good luck this season Chargers.... im looking forward to it....
wicked one wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:42 AM:stve you dont know anything you just like running your mouth your either a charger fan or your not
wicked one wrote on Mar 23, 2006 11:43 AM:steve you dont know anything you just like running your mouth your either a charger fan or your not
Jimbo wrote on Mar 30, 2006 5:18 PM:Any team that spends 40M on a QB is definitely going to play him, somehow, some way. However all those who dump on Brees for not winning a playoff game should dump on Rivers for not beating out Brees the last two years. Manning was able to unseat Warner and Palmer was able to unseat Kitna. Meanwhile, Rivers was holding the clipboard for two years. What gives?
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