The great balance of the 2007 Patriots has been demonstrated in other ways. By NFL statistics that measure yards, the Patriots rank first in offense and fourth in defense. By the Aikman ratings, they are even better — first in offense and third in defense by only a half point behind leader Minnesota.

Aikman ratings take into account by formula many considerations besides yardage. They are akin to the complicated passer ratings. Among coaches, the Aikman ratings serve as a more popular measure of strength than the NFL system. The Vikings' defense, for example, ranks 20th in yards allowed, but jumps to the top in the Aikman ratings when points and other statistics are factored.

The Patriots rank first in eight different offensive categories and in the top five in seven defensive categories. They rank first in turnover differential.

Tom Brady is enjoying an astonishing year for a quarterback and was the league MVP, of which there was no debate this season.

The arrival of Randy Moss gave the Patriots a pairing of two all-time greats at quarterback and receiver, and the arrival of underrated slot receiver Wes Welker made both Brady and Moss better.

Bill Belichick was a good coach before Brady, a great one since. The defense boasts an outstanding collection of talented veterans from Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren and Jarvis Green up front to Mike Vrabel and his linebacker friends to safety Rodney Harrison. Don't ever think this is a defense without Hall of Fame players.

A solid combination of quarterback-receiver-coach-defense almost guarantees success. Among the great dynasties, the Browns of the 1950s with Otto Graham, Dante Lavelli and Paul Brown helped usher in the modern era, followed by the Colts with Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry and Weeb Ewbank, the Packers with Bart Starr, Boyd Dowler and Vince Lombardi, the Dolphins with Bob Griese, Paul Warfield and Don Shula, the Steelers with Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth and Chuck Noll, the Cowboys with Roger Staubach, Drew Pearson, and Tom Landry, the 49ers with Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Bill Walsh, and the Cowboys with Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Jimmy Johnson.

All had great defenses and running games, both necessary foundations in order for passing, catching and coaching to flourish.

But no team ever did it as well as the Patriots are doing it today.

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