Brady is the exception. Then what about Brees? What was he before going to the Saints? i don't think he was on his way to be the player that he is today after his stint with the Chargers, and that devastating shoulder injury. Again, there isn't much of a difference b/t tier 1/2 in terms of talent/skill level for the most part. It's more of having the right pieces/system and other factors around and within you to make it happen. The same thing with any sports ala the difference b/t a Kobe and a TMac.
What about Brees? He was the second QB taken in the 2001 draft and had three 3000 yard passing seasons under his belt and was a pro bowler (would have been 4 seasons had he not missed games in 2003. I get what you're trying to say but Brees is a bad example.
He wasn't a tier 1 QB then though; he wasn't anywhere close to the QB he is today in terms of stature. I don't think it's a bad example at all. With the Saints, he is with a stacked team offensively, and a coach who designed a system to fit a QB's needs (throw the ball galore). Brees in SD is like what Matt Ryan is right now.
