Funny you ask about Brees. I just replied to an email today about that. Here is part of that email response:
"Madden rates players based upon abilities, not production. Although Brees has very high production, his individual abilities are not that impressive, according to the scouting data provided. On the 5.0 point scale, Brees' arm strength measured in at only 2.4, the same grade as Peyton Manning. Look at his other attributes though. He graded very highly in AWR and SAC. His agility is also very good for a QB. Please try to keep in mind that like Madden, we have to rates players based on individual abilities and traits. Production is a huge misnomer as it is the results of an infinite number of possibilities executed on any particular play. We also explain this in the FAQ section."
The simple answer is that Manning and Brady graded out better than Brees. Keep in mind that Madden uses TRAITS to rate players, not production. There is not a "5000+ yard passer" rating. Instead, we must rate the player's individual attributes, that when are compiled and added together, create the player as a whole. Often times people overlook how the attributes work TOGETHER and get hung up on a few attributes being "incorrect" in their opinion.
I also addressed the Ray Rice issue in another thread recently:
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2046342235
Another user also addressed it in the same thread:
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2046360844