Be fair Bob. Those defenses were just what the doctor ordered for a rookie QB. SB 36 was an awesome defensive effort against the greatest show on turf.
In 2001, here's the offensive ranks of the three teams the Patriots played in the playoffs:
Oak: #4 scoring, #7 yards, 24.9 ppg - NE held Oak to 13
Pit: #7 scoring, #3 yards, 22.0 ppg - NE held Pit to 17
StL: #1 scoring, #1 yards, 31.4 ppg - NE held StL to 17
Those three teams averaged 26.1 points a game, and NE held them to an average of 15.7 points a game. That 2001 defense was incredible.