You also have to remember that the refs are supposed to be cracking down on CHEATERS this year. Hopefully, the Patriots won't be allowed to tackle receivers and running backs that are trying to get off the line of scrimmage. They have done this with impunity for a few years now.
I'm all for giving guys a solid jam (or 3) at the line of scrimmage, but tackling them is a different story. Just ask the Colts last year. It was ridiculous.
And yes, I freely admit this is sour grapes. If the Patriots were my team, I would have just called it "playing physical". Since they are not (Go Rams!), I'll call them CHEATERS!