Finally, the inevitable occurred. Brees left as a free agent to sign a six-year, $60 million contract with the Saints, but only after the Miami Dolphins dropped out of contention for his services because they chose to embrace Daunte Culpepper instead. (Note: Here’s an excellent example of how some trophy wives can make terrible mates and ruin whole families; Culpepper was a bust, and it not only cost the Dolphins in the standings, but it hastened the departure of the man who lobbied to get Culpepper, head coach Nick Saban, who recently bailed out with all the dignity of an officer dressing in women’s clothing to sneak into a lifeboat on the Titanic.)

Now the Chargers are Rivers’ team. For the most part, the pairing has worked out well, although like all unions, there have been a few bumps. Rivers had his share of stinkers down the stretch. He was 14 for 31 for just 133 yards and one pick at home against Oakland; he was 8 for 23 for just 97 yards with no TDs and two interceptions against visiting K.C.; and he was 10 for 30 at Seattle. The Chargers won all three despite him, however.

But now the Patriots come to town. And as postseason debuts go, making one as a quarterback against Bill Belichick’s defense might be a tad nerve-racking. The best defense Rivers has faced thus far probably was the Ravens’ in Week 4, a 16-13 defeat on the road, although Rivers had a solid day, going 13 of 22 for 145 yards with one touchdown and one pick.

Yet the Patriots have a certain aura that is difficult to define. They have three Super Bowl victories, they know they’re good, and the idea of competing with a relatively inexperienced quarterback in such a big game is enough to make Belichick grunt, or put on a shirt with  buttons.

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To his credit, Brees didn’t react to the cold shoulder given him by the Chargers by sitting on the couch eating pints of Ben & Jerry’s and watching “Oprah.” He had a splendid season, culminating in him edging out Peyton Manning for first-team Associated Press NFL All-Pro honors.

This Saturday, Brees leads his Saints against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. If he looks good and Rivers looks bad, the Chargers no doubt will wonder if the trophy wife is suitable for the long term.

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