Despite the record of 11-4, the Patriots didn’t have the easy trip that many expected they would have in winning the division title.  Tom Brady had to adjust to life without his best 2 receivers from the last few seasons (Deion Branch & David Givens).  Brady still spread the ball around well, but it was the running game that carried them for most of the season on offense.  Rookie Laurence Maroney and Corey Dillon piled up the yards in the running game and took alot of pressure off Brady and the passing game on offense.

The defense has played well all season for the Patriots.  Asante Samuel has really stepped up his play this season.  Junior Seau had alot left in the tank until he broke his arm in the middle of the season.  The Pats also had to play alot of time without Rodney Harrison who was injured early in the season.  The Patriots are a great team as they always have someone stepping up when the injuries have happened and that’s why they won this division again.