Probably more than any other Patriot team since BB took over, the 2011 Pats were able to benefit from having a strong team organization. In a year where there was no dominant AFC team, a team that is well run and consistently good wen't into a playoff season that was wide open for any team that was playing well and peaking at the right time. The 2011 Patriots were that team.
They were a play or two away from stealing a championship with hard work, and a front office that makes good decisions.
This is how I feel. They were not the best team in the NFL this year. I think either the Packers or Saints were. I think the Patriots were one of the best teams (top 3-5), but not the best. For them to have come thisclose to winning it all, given their youth on D, their injuries, etc., was remarkable. Of course, once you get to the Super Bowl you desperately want to win it. And every time you don't it feels like a huge missed opportunity. So I get that.
But a step back from the ledge will reveal this to have been one of the most enjoyable and successful seasons the team has ever had, especially given the expectations.
I really think that 2012 is the season this Pats team will go on another dominant run. The D, which was rounding into form at the end of the year, will continue to improve. Gronk will be healthy again. They will, I'm convinced, add a big-play WR like Lloyd. Vollmer and Solder will be even better. I think we could be looking at a dominant 14-2 record...something like that.