I would classify a "bandwagon" fan as anyone that is quick to proclaim an end to winning and that they will "suck" from now on just because they stunk up the joint yesterday. "Real" fans have the right to justly criticize the players, coaches, and ownership for the play and supposed direction of the team based on past history. Up to this point, I think it BB had the right to pretty much run this team the way he envisioned it, but based on this year I would dare say this is the first time I'm beginning to have my doubts about some of his personnel moves. With that said, I also think he has had a fair amount of luck, like most great teams, to have achieved their past successes. If history has taught us anything, it is that most success is cyclical. In the beginning BB combined what he inherited(Bruschi, Brown) from the Parcells, Carroll years with some very nice JAGS(Harrison, Vrabel) and draft picks(Seymour, Wilfork, Warren) to produce SB winners. As the cycle continued, he had some poor choices(Starks, Jackson, etc..), but I believe he has the insight and ability to trust that he can still pick talent where others can't and will strike it rich again and hopefully build up another core of playmakers that can make another run because he still has the most important piece still there at the QB position.
While I am disappointed and frustrated with what I thought would be a memorable year and do believe that the Pats will have another 2-3 year run similar to 2003-2006 as long as BB and Brady remain.