You miss the most important point. Out of that group listed above only 1 has a QB that is even remotely considered in the same stratosphere as Tom Brady....... and that's Philip Rivers......... It coincidently was their worst loss (by far) of all the road loses they faced.
It's a tired argument in general. Along the way, we played few decent defenses (as far a points allowed), even though their teams were necessarily winning team (mostly due to inept offenses). Miami was top-10 defense, as was Philly. Denver wasn't bad.... Hell, even the Jets weren't horrible if you take out the two massive beatings we gave them.
Jets finished with the #4 most efficient offense too. The biggest thing is execution though. And what the Patriots didn't beat yet is a team who's as great, and tough all around, like they are. Denver executed well this season, but talent wise, they didn't match up.
Pats faced a top 10 team but they have not faced a top 3 team though. And the two playoff caliber teams they faced, Pittsburg and Giants, they lost to them.
Giants are probably the most battle tested team out there. Having faced GB twice, Patriots, Jets, Eagles, Cowboys, San Francisco and even Miami they have played everybody worth talking about on their way to the NFC Championship. The 49ers have the same issue. They beat the Giants last time but lost to Baltimore and Dallas. They have yet to prove themselves.
Patriots are not tested in the same sense. But that doesn't mean they aren't good. They have questions they need to answer and they won't get their chance until the super bowl. Same for the 49ers although some may argue beating the Saints and Giants counts but they did lose to the Cowboys and Ravens. I don't think so and I think it will come down to that. Somehow the top teams, 49ers, GB, and Pats have avoided each other.
The worry has been Brady and he still threw an interception against Denver's defense. Now it turned out that's no contest and didn't matter, but that won't be the case against the 49ers or the Giants. The only way GB beat them the first time was Aaron didn't throw a pick and Eli did. This time GB's offense had 4 turnovers. Brady needs to be at his absolutely best come super bowl time.
The toughest competition has all been in the NFC this year but that's not the Patriots fault. They just need to be prepared to play at a higher level than they have faced this year which is always tough to do because you can't gauge your opponents.