The marquee quarterbacks took a backseat , with Peyton Manning retired , Tom Brady suspended for four games , Cam Newton struggling , Aaron Rodgers still trying to prove last year 's disappointing output was a fluke .
Drew Brees saddled with yet another floundering Saints defense .
The marquee quarterbacks took a backseat , with Peyton Manning retired , Tom Brady suspended for four games , Cam Newton struggling , Aaron Rodgers still trying to prove last year 's disappointing output was a fluke and Drew Brees saddled with yet another floundering Saints defense .