New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton would have us believe quarterback Drew Brees is the least of his team's problems through a 2-4 start to the season. Brees himself has shrugged off questions about whether his arm strength is diminishing significantly at age 35.

Watching Brees put together one of the worst statistical fourth quarters of his career in a Week 8 defeat at Detroit had to be jarring for Saints fans accustomed to consistent excellence. That performance just further added to the chatter among some fans that perhaps an aging Brees (he'll be 36 in January) is really on the decline. So -- is he?

There are some factors preventing Brees from putting together the type of MVP-caliber season some anticipated. But after running through the numbers and speaking with general managers who have watched the Saints