Brees in San Diego was not the Brees in New Orleans, hence the decision to draft Eli Manning #1 (trade for Rivers). It wasn't until Rivers came in, that Brees started to play better keeping Rivers on the bench for two-years. Then, that last game of the 2005 season against Denver, Brees got sacked and blew out his throwing shoulder. San Diego had to make a choice - keep Brees and trade Rivers and hope Brees' can come back from his injury (some thought he may not play again); or keep Rivers and let Brees walk due to injury. Tough decision but hard to fault the Chargers at the time. That said, though Rivers sat for two-years behind Brees, he has passed both Big Ben and Eli in most passing statistical categories except one - winning (or playing) in the Super Bowl.