Back when the sun still worked around here, the talk was not of 14-2 seasons or “Destination Dallas.” The talk was “bridge season,” “rebuilding defense,” and if this and that happens, maybe they win the division. The Patriots [team stats] did a lot more than that and should be lauded for it.

Certainly they raised expectations as the season went along, defeating each of the four teams that will play in the conference championships Sunday, but the reality is the rebuilding of their defense has only begun. It was not of championship caliber and, frankly, is not as far along as some suggest. The bright side is that the process has begun and there appear to be some building blocks at a time when the offense, as long as Tom Brady [stats] is around, remains potent.