I completely agree with this take, which is not to say I wasn't humbled and frustrated by the fact that we didn't make it back to the big dance, but in a way I can understand what Bruschi is saying when he says you 'almost need that losing experience'.

I cannot wait for next year because I fully expect to contend, only this time without the distractions and the baggage of being 'defending champions'. We 'gon rock 'da house next year baby!