There isn't a D in the league that can shut down an elite offense consistently. Rules have changed. Building elite D's with nothing on O is a recipe for failure. You have to have both these days. If your D is elite then your O has to be good at least at rushing/passing and competent at the other or Elite on O and good at stopping the rush/pass. What made them a dynasty was BB's defensive mind and Brady's offensive ability. Take away one and the other isn't nearly as good. To be honest they haven't been good all year just got away with a super weak schedule. Like 63 said, they are going to have to overpay and surround him with studs for them to have a chance.
Only thing I regret is not being able to knock them out ourselves.