Arm strength really only affects the patterns you should run. Brees knows what he has, he avoids questionable throws except late when he's trying to catch up. Besides you don't have to have a great arm to complete some deep balls when you have a good scheme. When Thomas is back Brees can just throw it as far as he can and let Thomas go win it if he's in the right coverage scheme. I think he's getting a negative rap at the moment because people want to see QBs make big plays with something they do, but Brees is more of the school of you just keep moving the sticks with less explosive plays making sure you get the 10 yards you need every 3 plays.