I think the Saints are one team that has been trying to emulate the Patriots since 2006, and its why we won a SB, but we are not the Patriots or SP is not BB.
I think we are trying to copy, and SP openly admits that he copies BB. We didnt care who we played in 2009, but playing the Patriots ment alot to us, as a gauge of where we are now. But with Godell destroying the team for a couple years and that SP is not able to field a solid defense, its going to take some time. It made us better, we were complete 45 year old losers, but we have alot of things to do, and I love Brees, but hes no TB. So we dont have the coach or the QB to match up, but we are trying.
I would guess that other teams are also doing the same, but not as open about it as the Saints are. Its the perfect storm I believe, and hard to imposible to get everyhting right.