I think what Talib observed and describes there is astute and, really, understandable. The huge disappointment of losing a winnable game like that and jumping right in to the offseason 3 weeks later for coaches and staff and (soon after) players is tough. It's why it's so rare for repeat champions and for Super Bowl losers to get back right away. The decreased time to mentally, physically and emotionally step away, evaluate, regroup and regain motivation to the degree needed to make a run like that creates a real uphill battle. And like he said, little things in preparing less can add up. The three-hour workouts that become an hour and 45 minutes, etc. Human nature.