New England Patriots: Ten Reasons They're Not Done Yet

 How could we have forgotten about the Patriots?

With all the talk about the Jets and the improved Ravens, the Colts and the T.O. and Ochocinco Show in Cincy, very few people are talking about New England.

Well, people may be talking now.

After New England shellacked Cincinnati, it may be a good time to point out a few reasons why the Patriots are not ready to relinquish power in the AFC.

10. Boston

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jets fly over before the start of the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Ima

When you're a good team in one of the best sports cities in the world, you are never wanting for support.

Especially after the big win today, fans will come out in droves to support this Pats team in 2010.

Teams coming into Foxboro will face a hostile crowd each week, and once it gets cold in New England, all bets are off.

9. Special Teams

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Brandon Tate #19 of the New England Patriots carries the opening kickoff in for a touchdown at the start of the game against the St. Louis Rams on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Gett

Brandon Tate is a budding special teams superstar.  If you disagree, just ask his 97-yard touchdown return from today.

Couple that with Stephen Gostkowski being one of the most reliable kickers in the league and the Pats are solid on special teams, to say the least.

8. Improved Defense

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HOUSTON - JANUARY 03: Running back Arian Foster #37 of the Houston Texans is tackled by safety Brandon Meriweather #31 of the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

No one ever questions the Patriots' ability to score points.

Many question if they can stop people from scoring.

This defense is full of young playmakers who are just getting comfortable in the NFL, as shown by an pick-six today as well as the befuddled look Carson Palmer showed throughout the first half.

If the defense can continue to make plays and ease pressure off of the offense, New England should be in for a deep run.

7. Tom Brady's New Contract

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots calls out the play in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Ge

While it was no Revis or Vincent Jackson-type holdout, the Tom Brady contract situation was swirling over the collective head of the New England Patriots.

The fact that the Patriots signed Brady to an extension this week locks him up as their franchise quarterback for the next few seasons and removes any possible distraction there might have been.

Now one of the league's best players has nothing to worry about except football... well, that and going home each night to a supermodel.

6. Randy Moss

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Ge

Although he is getting up there in age, Randy Moss remains one of the best receivers in the league and New England's number one big-play threat.

The key here is teams may have to stop doubling Moss because of the emergence of Welker and Edelman.

If Moss starts seeing single coverage on a regular basis, things could get out of hand quickly.

5. Two Horse Race

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Head Coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets walks during warm ups before the game against the Washington Redskins on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Im

New England should benefit from what should be a two-horse race in the AFC East.

The Bills and Dolphins do not appear to have the talent to compete with the juggernauts that are the Jets and Patriots, so it will come down to who can hold on between New York and New England.

These two teams do not like each other to say the least.  The two most infamous coaches in the league reside in the same division, and should provide a clash of Titans for the two meetings between these teams.

4. Running Back By Committee

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Fred Taylor #21 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

You are never thrilled to end up with a Patriots running back on your fantasy team.

However, the group of backs in New England is serviceable enough to provide the Pats with a running game that does a great job of complimenting the passing attack.

Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis combined for nearly 120 yards on 22 carries against Cincinnati, and that is without the services of so-called starter Laurence Maroney, who missed the game with an injury.

People take this part of New England's game for granted, but the Patriots are perfectly capable of running the ball to control the clock and even to win football games.

3. Bill Belichick

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 19: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches pre-game drills before the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

The Patriots do not have a defensive coordinator listed.

Why?  Because this guy doesn't need one.

Belichick is arguably the best in the league when it comes to both game planning and in-game coaching.

His players love to hate him and hate to love him, but they all respect him and play their hearts out for him.

His demeanor turns many off, but he is clearly one of the best and one of the reasons New England cannot be overlooked.

2. Wes Welker

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots gains yardage despite the defense of Leon Hall #29 of the Cincinnati Bengals during during the NFL season opener at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (

People were concerned that Welker may not rebound well from ACL surgery.

Eight catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns later, there aren't many questions left.

Welker is quickly becoming the No. 1 receiving threat for the Patriots, and it is easy to see why.  Brady loves to throw to him, and his ability to get open and create after the catch makes him a nuisance for any team. 

With Moss opposite him, Welker is free to wreak havoc on opposing defenses and should do just that week in and week out.

1. Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots scrambles as Antwan Odom #98 of the Cincinnati Bengals is unable to make the sack during the NFL season opener on September 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Ph

What can you say about Brady that hasn't already been said?

Three Super Bowl rings makes Tom Brady arguably the best quarterback of the decade, and undoubtedly a guy you want leading your offense.

He manages a game as well as anyone in the league and has the arm and smarts to make any throw you need.

He runs in kind of a girlish way, but who cares, because Tom Brady is that good.

As long as he stays healthy, New England is still a threat to win championships.