I'm not a Pats fan.. But I do think Brady is the greatest QB of all-time.. and Belichick is the best coach of this generation.
Patriots also benefit from great ownership (Kraft family)..
I guess I'd characterize myself as a Pats admirer..
They did not have Malcolm Butler. Possibly, they were not accustomed to playing with another back. The personal and emotional balance might have been off, since I think there would have been a personal dynamic established among the regulars, having Malcolm to watch their back, at times.
Also . . . I notice how the Patriots in the draft selected two roommates from Georgia. Possibly, this was psychological, so they would have two new players motivated by one another, plus with championship games experience. Does anyone think this is a deliberate strategy? Is this selecting of close friends done often by various teams??