So let me preface this by saying that I absolutely, evoquivicably, deplore, despise, and hate the New England Patriots...
That now out of the way, I must say that over the last few years, the Patriots have been the standard-bearers for the National Football League and their dominance has been wholly impressive from a football-watching point of view. Their ability to stay true to their methodology and long-term team management while maintaining a high level of performance on the field of play has been interesting to watch. This team is always prepared and their players always give their best even when it does not appear to be enough; even so, this season, the Patriots have found ways to win games when they needed to and dominated the rest.
16-0 is probably the most impressive display of sporting excellence I have ever seen; okay, let me now say that this declaration applies to American sports and not sports in other countries that I've also followed closely. While I do not think that this team would win in a playoff against some of the greatest teams of the modern era (from the 1980's to now), I do believe that this level of excellence will not be matched for at least a generation or two.
As for the remainder of the playoffs leading to the Super Bowl, I do not envision the Patriots losing either the AFC Championship game nor the Super Bowl regardless who they wind up playing. This season has just been too dominant and too focused for that. San Diego will be a much weaker team and have to go into a very hostile environment without having two of its biggest weapons at full health. That does not bode well for anything resembling a close, hard-fought championship match-up.
