The 2010 Pats had some definite holes defensively, which they were usually able to hide by jumping out to a big lead early behind their offense. But the margin of error was less than their 14-2 record indicated, and that same defense got eviscerated by an average QB and an average WR in the second half of their one playoff game.
The Pats have always had 1 or 2 games every year where they got beaten, sometimes badly, by an inferior team (Miami and KC in 2014, the Bills in 2016, but that deserves a rather large asterick). That's just the nature of the NFL. Last season their 2 regular season losses were to half-decent teams in KC and Carolina. I think the only difference is that this season the Pats have had 3 such games, and one of those was in November; whether that's significant or just a blip remains to seen. But the narrative is probably a lot different if the Pats got by the Titans.
Anyway, game ball to Jackson for some nice coverage on the deep passes in the second half. Another one to Flowers with a key sack late in the game. And game balls for those nice open field tackles by the McCourty twins and Van Noy to bottle up the Minny receivers after they caught those dump-off passes. The OL deserves some credit as well; the Vikings were credited with only one hit on Brady (vs. 6 for the Pats).