Let's compare the Patriots vs. the best team in the NFL each year, by regular season record. So this is not just Pats vs. the field...it's Pats vs. the very best team in the field. Obviously the Pats' record will be worse, but this will be interesting.....
2001: NE 11-5, StL 14-2 (-3)
2002: NE 9-7, Phi, GB, TB 12-4 (-3)
2003: NE 14-2, KC 13-3 (+1)
2004: NE 14-2, Pit 15-1 (-1)
2005: NE 10-6, Ind 14-2 (-4)
2006: NE 12-4, SD 14-2 (-2)
2007: NE 16-0, Ind, Dal, GB 13-3 (+3)
2008: NE 11-5, Ten 13-3 (-2)
2009: NE 10-6, Ind 14-2 (-4)
2010: NE 14-2, Atl 13-3 (+1)
2011: NE 13-3, GB 15-1 (-2)
2012: NE 12-4, Den, Atl 13-3 (-1)
2013: NE 12-4, Den, Sea 13-3 (-1)
2014: NE 12-4, Den, Dal, GB, Sea 12-4 (0)
2015: NE 12-4, Car 15-1 (-3)
2016: NE 14-2, Dal 13-3 (+1)
2017: NE 13-3, Phi, Min, Pit 13-3 (0)
2018: NE 11-5, NO, LAR 13-3 (-2)
TOTALS:
- New England: 220-68 (.764)
- Field's Best: 242-46 (.840)
So over 18 seasons cumulatively, the Patriots are just 22 games behind each year's best team in the field. When you think about it, that's absolutely astonishing.