Saying we only gave up 27 points is like putting lipstick on a pig.
We were pretty soundly beaten. New England was never seriously in danger of losing the game and they acted like it. That's how champions act. That's how you take care of business on the road when you are 7.5 point favorites (unlike the Steelers who are all hungover in Miami).
It's the difference between a well coached team and poorly coached team. A team that plays with CONTROLLED emotion as opposed to whooping and hollering over meaningless plays and more worried about what dance you have planned when you score a touchdown.
It doesn't matter. This season is like the rest. We all know it. Good enough to say "we don't have losing seasons", but not good enough to mean anything in the playoffs. Good enough to keep the stands full and the gear selling. Not good enough to create legitimate excitement in the fan base.
After New England (who is in a league by themselves), the conference isn't all that good. All the teams have visible weaknesses. So maybe if something happens to Brady, a torn ACL, a concussion, who knows... The Steelers might be able to make a run against the likes of Cincinnati, Indy, Houston, Denver, Oakland, Buffalo, etc.
But those are just false hopes.
There is no desire to become GREAT in this organization. To do all the little things and be smart and decisive and strive for perfection in everything they do. Tomlin accepts good, Colbert accepts good and that's what we are. Good.