Well they got right back up and got back in game. I would not crow too much about beating Denver or the Ravens next week. The AFC is becoming the weaker conference as these things cycle and the offense of Denver and Baltimore are predictable and easy to stop even by average defenses. The Pats will get a rude awakening just like the Steelers did last year as the NFC now has the edge in physical dominance.
But there is one factor that even the very best NFC teams, or resurging teams, such as the Giants cannot factor in, is the revenge factor. The Pats have not forgotten losing to the Giants a few years back. Do not count that out.