As much as it pains me to say it, I will.
The patriots were shitty this year (compared to previous years) and I don't know how they made it to the playoffs. Every team needs a leader and the patriots lacked that and the emotional side of the game.. They were all machines and nobody would get pumped up after a big defensive play. It sounds stupid but football teams need that emotion to win big.
Welker started to step up as a team motivator at the end of the
season but when they lost him you could tell the whole team was hurt. They couldn't win the big games(colts and saints) and lost games they should've won. (Jets, Miami, Denver) The way they played in the second half all year was pitiful.
I don't need to prove to you that i follow the pats everyday but yes, they are my favorite sports franchise.