I think the lack of TE involvement is interesting. BB has characteristically liked TEs, because they can create matchup problems. Either you have an LB smaller than the TE, and you always run at the LB with that TE, or you have an LB who can't cover the TE, so you run passes at him.
I think part of the Patriots demise this year is that every player is more or less one dimensional. They can rush, catch, or block. There aren't too many offensive skill players on this team who can do all 3 at a professional level. This makes the Patriots very easy to game plan for. You know BB isn't going to use Randy/Wes to EVER run the ball. You know BB isn't going to use LoMo or to block too much, or Morris as a pass-catcher. You know Kevin Faulk is a change of pass/third down back. And, you sure as hell know Brady isn't taking one step past the LOS.
I think part of the failures of this year's team were the one-dimensional players. It is too easy to isolate them and attack their weaknesses (ala Vollmer in the playoffs).
The TEs are a big part of this, because the diversity that they usually bring can allow for some subtle but important deception and matchup problems. This is why BB usually drafts TEs high in the draft.