Drew Brees will be marchin' in with the Saints

[Itsme]

From Union-Tribune sports writer Kevin Acee:

Drew Brees has found the love elsewhere that he always wanted from the Chargers.

The former Pro Bowl quarterback agreed today to a contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Thus ends his up-and-down-and-up five-year turn in San Diego.

Read more online and in tomorrow's San Diego Union-Tribune.

[zippyjuan]

I think some things we don't know about happened here. They tried to get rid of him before, but then they needed him and he came through in a big way by winning a lot of games so they could not justify getting rid of him to the fans. The injury finally gave them the excuse. I don't know if there are personal conflict issues with him and the coach or management or not. The money and draft pick they spent on Rivers probably helped the decision to let Brees go too (or was that why they picked him and gave him the money in the first place?). I don't expect the same performance from Rivers- at least for the first couple of years. It takes time to learn the players and get used to using the play system the coaches want. Even if he has been practicing them- it is different in a real game. Most quarterbacks take about four years to get it. Payton Manning is more of a gifted fluke that he was good so early on.

[brainsmile]

I agree... they have to play Rivers...

[Nija]

So, in other words, San Diego is going to suck for the next couple of years.

Cool, at least Pittsburg will be entertaining until the 9ers learn how to play again...

[Itsme]

If the Chargers are not competitive over the next few years (with Rivers) it will greatly hurt their chances of getting a new stadium, and then of staying in San Diego.

[ProMinx]

I can't imagine San Diego letting go of the Chargers, even if they start to suck. There is a lot of independent San Diego pride for that team. It kind of separates SD above the rest of So.Cal., in that they're the only city that could hold on to their team. Heck...even parts of LA would be pissed if we gave up the Chargers. Personally...I'm kind of sad to see Brees go. I liked him and really liked their chances going in to this next season. Eh...what are you going to do?