Tom Brady and the Patriots Remind Us Their Dynasty Is Far From Over

NFL fans have been writing off the New England Patriots since their heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants two years ago.

Last season's surprising defeat at home to Baltimore in the playoffs made the idea of New Enlgand's demise much more believable.

After all the turmoil since 2007, the Patriots still have the best quarterback and coach in the NFL, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

Last night's convincing road win over the Miami Dolphins is changing the opinions of NFL experts and fans on what this Patriots team is capable of.

The victory helped Tom Brady become the fastest quarterback to win 100 games in a career since 1966, accomplishing the record in 131 games, eight fewer than previous record holder Joe Montana.

Brady became the eleventh quarterback to win 100 games, joining Peyton Manning and Brett Favre as the only active players to accomplish this feat.

The beauty of Belichick's Patriots is the stars are rarely the biggest performers in the most important games. No other coach can devise game plans that put average players in positions to thrive time and time again.

The Patriots most important player in their Super Bowl winning seasons, was running back Kevin Faulk, who has made countless clutch plays in New England.

Faulk thrives when the Patriots' stars are taken away by the defense, and last night, Randy Moss was completely shut down by Dolphins corner back Vontae Davis, yet the offense didn't miss a beat.

Wes Welker was held in check for most of the first half as well, but the Patriots weren't discouraged, they just adjusted, something they do better than any team.

How many teams can have their two best receivers completely taken away for most of the game and still score 41 points?

Hardly any. But the Patriots are always confident other players will step up and perform when counted on. 

Rob Ninkovich, a linebacker completely unknown outside of New England, was a defensive force last night. Ninkovich had two interceptions last night, and added four tackles plus a sack.

Ninkovich wasn't the only unknown star last night, running back Danny Woodhead scored for the second straight week, catching an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

Before the game, Brady told the media he didn't even know Woodhead's name last week when he scored vs. Buffalo. A former Jets running back, many thought the signing of Woodhead was just to get more information on the Jets offense, but after two impressive performances, Woodhead will remain a reliable option in the running game.

Woodhead and running back teammate Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis have given the Patriots a threatening rushing attack, which will help Brady and the passing game as the season progresses.

While the offense has seen little change since 2007, the transition of the defense from experienced winners to unproven youngsters has been a meticulous process in New England the last few years, but the young talent is finally progressing as planned.

Patrick Chung, a second year safety from Oregon, was the MVP of last night's blowout against the Dolphins. Chung blocked a field goal and a punt on special teams, and returned a Chad Henne interception for a touchdown.

Jerod Mayo, the 2007 AP defensive player of the year winner, played an excellent game last night. Mayo, a team captain, is the leader of the young defense.

He is the perfect example of Bill Belichick favoring intelligent players on draft day. Mayo is not the most athletic linebacker, but has great awareness, and is rarely out of position.

A team that can beat you in several ways is one quite challenging to prepare for.

The Patriots scored a touchdown four different ways last night, offensively, defensively, a kickoff return, and a blocked kick run back. 

No part of an NFL game swings momentum more than a great special teams play.

Brandon Tate's 103 yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave the Patriots the lead for good right after halftime.

Just seconds into the second half, the momentum had swung, and the Dolphins were scrambling to catch up. When you're playing catch up, Bill Belichick has the opponent right where he wants them.

With the Dolphins forced to throw the ball, Belichick could devise clever coverage schemes to bait Miami quarterback Chad Henne to make poor decisions.

Patrick Chung's interception shocked everybody at Sun Life Stadium, including Chung himself.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Chung explained he was shocked when Henne threw the ball passed Brandon Marshall and right into his hands.

The interception killed the game, and left the Miami faithful stunned and confused.

The Patriots defense is young, but they are unbelievably fast. With Bill Belichick's coaching, the defense will become a dominating unit like the one Bill won three Super Bowl titles with.

On the Patriots, every player must have the ability to help the team in all areas, from playing special teams, to wide receivers playing corner back. Complete football players build strong teams with few weaknesses, and Bill Belichick is the best at finding the most versatile players.

New England is the most dangerous team in the NFL. In the playoffs, and in the 4th quarter, there is no better combo than Brady and Belichick.

The Patriots are a team finding themselves right now, and by year's end, they could find themselves in Dallas, lifting the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl champions, again.