So is winning it, but that's never happened to the Pats before and losing the AFCCG last year certainly didn't have a bad effect on the Pats season this year. Every year "the Pats run is over." It'll be over when Brady retires and BB leaves.
Losing the AFCCG doesn't have the same sting as losing a SB you are a heavy favorite.
Also remember, with the AFCCG the players had the flu, the refs aided the Colts, and the Colts played games with the thermostat, the players who dropped balls are no longer on the team.
Lot easier to rally around getting revenge next year, when you can point to others and rally for revenge.
Could the Pats win it all next year -- sure. Could they flop next year-- history suggests yes. That is not to say they are done. But I could easily envision a scenario where the Pats go 8-8 next year, Bills win the AFC East and then the Pats win the SB in '09.
A lot will depend on if losing this SB sucks the wind out of the coaching staffs sails so they don't have a productive off season. Could happen. Or if they regroup quickly and are determined.
Also a lot will depend on if fingers get pointed. If the players point fingers at Josh for bad play calling it could be a bad off-season. Most of our player are too much of pros to do it in the media. But that doesn't mean Brady hasn't told BB he wants Josh fired in private.
An ugly loss can lead to an ugly off-season. An ugly off season would lead to an ugly regular season.
If I was going to take my choice of two bets, Patriots win AFC East next year or Brady wins another 2 rings in his life time. I say the latter one has a greater probability.
They are not out, but they may be down.