Yes, the Patriots are 16-0.
Yes, Tom Brady has the record for TD passes in a season with 50.
Yes, Randy Moss has the record for TD receptions in a season with 23.
Yes, they are a team you cannot count out until there is no time left on the clock.
But there work is just beginning. They know it, and Patriots fans everywhere know it.
After the rest of the regular season concludes tonight, the Patriots will have a glimpse of playoff matchups they can watch and prepare for. Probably the easiest game right now would be Pittsburgh. They are really dinged up, and haven't been running the ball too well lately, which is very un-Steeler like. Everyone is afraid of the Jaguars, as they have the offense and defense to challenge Indy or the Pats. No one seems concerned about the Titans or Browns (whoever gets in: if Tennessee wins, they edge Cleveland, if they lose, the Browns are in), as they are very shaky all around. San Diego has one of those "you never know what you're gonna get" offenses with Rivers at the helm.
It's not cliché, its truth: the Patriots clinched a playoff berth weeks ago, and that's all they needed to be in the running for another Super Bowl. Any of these teams could beat them if they don't execute like they have. They need this bye week to get a bit healthier, and to rest their bodies as well as their minds, through all the stress that "16-0" has caused.
As of tomorrow, none of it matters. It's a new season, and everyone is 0-0. This is what makes champions.
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