Forget Playoff Meltdown: New England Patriots Had a Successful Season

Let me get this out of the way first: The New York Jets physically dominated the New England Patriots Sunday, and they were the better team that day. That's all it is. One month before, the Patriots manhandled the Jets 45-3. 

The two teams are very evenly matched, and when one team slips, they pay the price. 

The Patriots paid the price Sunday. 

It is time to get over the loss, and all the fans of New England need to realize that this year was a major success. 

Does anyone realize that the Patriots are rebuilding on the fly? They are perfecting the process or rebuilding; staying competitive while getting younger. 

At the start of this year, practically all of the NFL experts were picking the Patriots to finish with a 10-6 or 9-7 record. Well, they were way off. 

Experts were surprised, and the Patriots front office and roster surprised themselves as well. 

New England has rookies or second year players starting on both sides of the ball, and they succeeded this year. 

On offense, it's obvious how rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez had success and become some of Brady's top targets. 

The two both played an amazing rookie season, and they can only get better. 

Not just Gronk and Hernandez are younger guys playing well on offense, don't forget Sebastian Vollmer. 

Vollmer is filling in nicely as the right tackle, and it's clear you can run behind the guy. Vollmer is one of New England's top linemen only allowing one sack all of last season while starting all 16 games. 

Running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead are both younger guys as well. 

Green-Ellis became the first Patriots running back to break 1,000 yards since 2004. 

Woodhead on the other hand is a great runner and an even better receiver. He appears to be a younger Kevin Faulk as he's filled in the third-down running back role nicely. 

One defense, two of the Patriots top defenders are below the age of 25. 

Linebacker Jerod Mayo and corner back Devin McCourty were key components to the team's success last year.

Throw in rookie linebackers Brandon Spikes and Jermaine Cunningham, the Patriots have a strong defensive core led by veteran defensive linemen Vince Wilfork. 

Everyone must realize that the Patriots are rebuilding on the fly. This year was supposed to be a "bridge year." However, they exceeded expectations. 

New England's dynasty maybe over, but head coach Bill Belichick has other plans.

As long as quarterback Tom Brady is here, with a bunch of other veterans like Wilfork, Wes Welker and Deion Branch, the Patriots will be contenders. 

It's safe to say that Belichick, Brady and the Patriots will be playing in a Super Bowl within the next two years. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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