“The (foul) weather had something to do with it, but it was a little bit a function of the defense, too,” said Belichick, explaining the run-oriented attack. “You saw the Jets standing around out there, walking around on the line of scrimmage, so we thought we had an opportunity to snap the ball, run the ball at some of those fronts, and we did that.”

Don’t be snowed by Belichick; the Patriots hardly dominated on the ground. It might be different in the divisional playoffs against the Chargers, who, like the Jets, run a 3-4 scheme and can match their blueprint.

Or the Steelers, another 3-4 team. Yes, the Steelers lost to the Patriots last week by three touchdowns, but Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau is a creative defensive coach who can devise a few wrinkles for Brady & Co. if there’s a rematch.

The Jaguars don’t play a 3-4, but they can complement a solid defense with a terrific running game. They have the ability to win an ugly, smashmouth game.

And don’t dismiss the surging Browns. Their 3-4 defense is coming on strong, and coach Romeo Crennel — a former Patriots assistant — is definitely capable of cooking up a scheme to get Brady out of rhythm.

Make no mistake, the Patriots are still the top dog. They will beat the Dolphins and Giants to finish 16-0, followed by a week of rest, but the playoffs won’t be a cakewalk. If the weather is foul, and the opponents study the Jets’ tape closely, the Patriots will have to fight their way to the Super Bowl.

Belichick probably never dreamed that his game plan for Super Bowl XXV would be so good that opponents would be using it against him this many years later.

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Steelers’ playoff future slipping away Chiefs pull off K.C. masterpiece, stun Steelers Bengals botch chances, lead in loss to Raiders   Cutler’s gaffe sinks Bears for 2nd straight week Favre’s nearly perfect day ensures Vikings roll Pats stifle Jets, take 2-game lead in AFC East     Video: Patriots make a statement Saints move to 10-0, but ‘haven’t peaked yet’ Colts survive vs. Ravens by a ‘small margin’   Chargers rout Broncos, move atop AFC West NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: