There's several differences between the teams of this year and last year. The biggest one is injuries.
We have a new QB. I believe our FB has been changed between Kuhn and Hall. James Jones hasn't started every game as he did the season prior.
QB - First year starter at QB instead of the best QB to ever play.
RB - Grant missed camp and had an injury. No Vernand Morency this season.
FB - I think we had Hall from the get go last season. This year it's been Kuhn/Hall with Lee in the back too sometimes.
WR - Jennings missed two games last year, none this year. James Jones has missed something like six or seven games this year though.
TE - No Bubba Franks but that might be an improvement. D Lee has played all games.
OL - Gosh, I think we shuffled the OL last year just as much. However this year I think we've had more injuries on the line.
DL - Jenkins, IR. Williams, traded.
LB - Barnett, IR. Hawk slowed by injury for a game or two and also was used minimally in a game due to injury.
DB - Bigby missed many games as well as Rouse missed a few due to injuries.
P - Last year Ryan sucked, this year Frost sucks more.
K - Last year Crosby made the 53 yarder to win the game, this year he missed it.
Any thing I'm missing or needs correcting? I'm think this team is a little more different than most people want to believe when some thought is actually put into it. Not to mention the teams were playing against present several different matchups that make it harder and/or easier to come out on top.