People keep reiterating this and it's just not true. In every year that we won, our defense both a. gave up more points than their season average and b. blew a late lead
Outside of 2001, our defense significantly underperformed in the SB and it was our offense who were most responsible for the win. Ironically, our offense pissed the bed in our 2 Super Bowl losses while our defense played decently and more toward their potential (average to slightly above average)
My overall point being is that the whole schtick that "if this defense doesn't improve then no way we win the SB" is complete nonsense. We have the best offense in the NFL, by far, and our defense is more than serviceable to win. I have no idea why we implemented the gameplan we did on Sunday night but I would venture to guess BB and co. aren't caught with their pants down again. They'll make adjustments and have this defense playing well enough to win the Super Bowl
If we're healthy come January, the Pats will be the significant favorites to win it all. Again.