Early 2000's San Diego Chargers

[Halas Hall]

It shocks me a little how the Chargers drafted Tomlinson and Drew Brees back to back in 2001 and really did not do a lot with them. How did Brees do so poorly there that they were in a position to pick Eli Manning # 1 three drafts later?

Thanks.

[conace21]

It shocks me a little how the Chargers drafted Tomlinson and Drew Brees back to back in 2001 and really did not do a lot with them. How did Brees do so poorly there that they were in a position to pick Eli Manning # 1 three drafts later?

Thanks.

In 2001, Brees sat behind Doug Flutie. He only played a little more than one half, after Flutie suffered a concussion against the Chiefs. Brees led SD back from a 19-0 deficit, but KC scored late to pull out the win. That was the first of 9 straight losses for San Diego that year. I'm not sure why Brees never got another shot, as Flutie struggled during the losing streak.
In 2002, Brees earned the starting job, and performed well for a 2nd year player through the first 8 games. However, he really fell off over the next year and a half. The Chargers finished with an 8-8 record in 2002, but collapsed to 4-12 in 2003. Brees performed poorly and seemed destined to be a bust. He actually was benched for Flutie for 4-5 games. San Diego decided to move on and use their #1 overall pick on a QB, ending up with Rivers. If Rivers hadn't held out, Brees might not have had the chance to enjoy his breakout season in 2004. 27 TD's and 7 INT's was a fantastic ratio for the era.

[sheajets]

I recall those Charger teams lacking elite wide receiving talent as well.

[Gary Najman]

I recall those Charger teams lacking elite wide receiving talent as well.

You are right, I recall Reche Caldwell and Eric Parker as their main WRs. They also acquired David Boston, but he was a dissapoinment.