"When it comes to the Patriots, our confidence should be soaring heading into the postseason, shouldn't it?

There isn't a better offense in the AFC, and that's just for starters. As we know from experience, with Tom Brady at the controls, anything is possible. Following yesterday's 338-yard, three-touchdown effort, he sandwiched himself (5,235) between Drew Brees (5,476) and Dan Marino (5,084 in 1984) in the record books for most passing yards in a single season.

With all of his receiving weapons, and an emerging running game with Stevan Ridley, it's hard to imagine many — if any — defenses being able to shut him down.

The last eight weeks in particular, which culminated with yesterday's 49-21 regular season-ending win over Buffalo, showcased a display of points and overall dominance that has brought back memories of the 2007 season, when numerous offensive records were set. In the past eight games, the Pats racked up 291 points, with a stunning average of 36.4 points per game.

With the first seed wrapped up, and home field throughout the conference playoffs, it sure looks rather rosy for Bill Belichick's boys going forward.

The trouble is, there's a queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach that just won't go away. It's been there all season. It happens every time the defense steps on the field. In fact, it probably made you gag if you happened to be watching in the first quarter yesterday when the six-win Bills raced out to a 21-0 lead.

It made you nauseous the week before when the six-win Dolphins jumped out 17-0, forcing yet another comeback by the offense. Or how about a few weeks before that, when the Broncos rushed for 167 yards in the first quarter alone?

Slow starts, by the defense in particular, will earn you nothing but a playoffs one-and-done. And if it doesn't get you the first week you play, it most certainly will get you the next. The competition going forward is just too good. This isn't going to be the Bills and Dolphins. You're likely looking at the Steelers and Ravens. And that's the fear here with this team as it prepares for the tournament."