The Patriots can go undefeated

It's too early for this conversation.

We're only seven weeks into the season. It's like heading to the jeweler after the third date.

But the dominance shown by the New England Patriots thus far is enough to prod the moderately sane to consider it.

The Patriots can go undefeated.

There. That didn't taste so bad.

It seems premature. After all, the television shouters, who love nothing more than exaggeration proliferation, aren't on board yet.

There's also a week 9 road trip that looms as the strongest reason not to believe such blasphemy. The Pats head to the midwest. Down to Indianapolis where the defending champs reside. The team that took out the Patriots in last year's AFC title game.

But this is an enhanced Patriots team. Reasons to believe abound.

Not the least of which, of course, is Tom Brady. When he says it's about wins, not touchdown passes, it's believable. Which, in a way, is unbelievable these days. But the results prop up his statements.

Then there's Randy Moss. Always draped in talent, Moss has transformed the Patriots' passing attack. He's a role player. A term viewed as derogatory when applied to someone with Moss' skill, is the highest compliment in this instance.

Moss' role is simple. Inspire marvel.

Force opposing coaches in midweek film sessions to have the "but if we do that, then ..." conversation while trying to figure out how to plug three holes with two fingers.

Shaking his head at last week's postgame press conference, Dallas coach Wade Phillips still hadn't found an answer.

"There an outstanding team with tremendous matchup problems for any defense," Phillips said.

The Cowboys tried man-to-man. Zone. Zone blitzes. Blitzes out of man coverage. None of it worked.

Of course, additions Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth have helped as well. The balance they provide, never more on display than last Sunday night against Dallas, is invaluable. The mixture is particularly potent with the smartest, most accurate quarterback in the league allowed time not just to throw, but to decide.

They're even doing this with the third-string running back.

The defense is yet to allow an 100-yard rusher or a quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards. It shares philosophy with the offense. Cut off Sampson's hair, and see if something else can harm you.

The final reason a perfect season is possible is Patriots coach Bill Belichick. His ability to position the proper players in the proper place at the proper time is becoming astounding. He's reached a point that he could enter the international Rubik's Cube competition, win it, then top that by finding dates for all the contestants.

The jaunt to Indianapolis in three weeks and a visit from Pittsburgh in week 14 are the clear challenges remaining. The Patriots will be on a short week when they host Pittsburgh, having to play at Baltimore on Monday night of the previous week.

In addition, three games remain against division opponents. The three other teams joining New England in the AFC East have combined for three wins through seven weeks of play.

It's been 35 years since the Dolphins put together the NFL's only undefeated season. Several teams reached double-figure wins before going down. Though they all seemed to have an identifiable leak.

That's not the case here.

History is in the making.