The buzz in New England for the past few weeks has been the inability of the Patriots to win on the road. All I keep hearing is that the season is over and the Patriots are terrible. Does anyone realize they are still first in their division and can move 2 games up on the second place Jets with a win today? Does anyone realize that as long as the Pats make the playoffs, they have the experience and knowledge to win the super bowl?

I\’m not saying that right now the Pats are playing like super bowl champions, but there are still 5 games left in the season. If their defense can get tough and gain some momentum, there isn\’t a team in the NFL that wants to play this squad in a win-or-go-home match-up. They have proven over the years that regardless of their regular season struggles or successes, the post-season is the second season in which you can redefine your identity.

That being said, the Pats need to learn how to win close ballgames on the road. Thus far this season, the Pats are 1-4 on the road, only beating the Broncos in Denver with a FG in OT. With 3 of the last 5 games on the road, they can not afford to continue this trend. This afternoon is a statement game, where all fans will see if this team has really improved defensively against the pesky wildcat formation that has tripped up the Pats defense in the past. If the Pats can beat the Dolphins this afternoon, they will have regained some confidence and momentum going into the last quarter of the season.

A win today would also go further than just helping the team. They need to prove to their fan base in New England and across the country that they are capable of winning when they have to and are improving with each practice. The Boston media is the first to jump on you when you are under-performing, but they are also the first to jump on the bandwagon when things are going well. Everyone loves a good bandwagon ride, why not climb aboard?