I actually enjoyed that Elliot Harrison write up. The national media will remain skeptical, which is cool. I think the AFCE will be interesting. I am in no way shape or form predicting that the Patriots go 13 or more wins this year. They had way to many close calls last year and I'm surprised they managed to make it to the Superbowl with that god awful defense of theirs.
This could very well be the year that the Brady led Patriots slide and a new team rises to the top. 2-3 divisional losses and some help from other divisions and the Patriots will look pretty ordinary. Whats more, I don't think the Bills are the only team that can smell a win against them. They are fading to the point where teams can see right through them. They have some very serious weaknesses. Look how Buffalo's pass defense made Brady look very ordinary in that first game. A better pass rush, and Brady could find himself in a real pickle.
Now take a team like Buffalo, that has played tough against them twice in a row, made some major off season moves and they are looking pretty good. Guys are coming back healthy. They even had the Giants against the ropes for a while last year. If this team gets some momentum going, things could play out much better than anticipated.
Am I wearing homer glasses? Maybe, but I smell something brewing. Don't tell me you can't smell it too.