Who are these Patriots?

There's little doubt the Patriots played to their capabilities during Sunday's 20-10 victory over the Panthers. But then again, do we know what their capabilities are anymore? Are we sure this is a playoff team? And if they get to the playoffs, will the Pats do any damage?

There's perhaps a handful of guys on the roster playing at a Pro Bowl caliber right now ... and even that's pushing it a bit. Randy Moss and Tom Brady have All-Pro talent, but they're faltering in the biggest of situations, and Jerod Mayo, last year's top defensive rookie, at times wears his invisible cloak on the field.

Wes Welker is the only star on this team, and he's single-handedly keeping the offense afloat. Yes, the offense that, at the beginning of the season, was supposed challenge the 2007 team for most points in a season.

How many times did Welker convert on third down to keep the chains moving? He caught five of his 10 passes on the go-ahead drive in the third quarter and finsihed with 105 yards. He leads the NFL in receptions.

Just one more point on Moss: He might be loafing, and he might be getting bored and he might be playing at only 75 percent (or lower), but he still draws triple coverage. And there's no other receiver I can think of who can do that.