The Patriots have long captured the attention of the football-viewing masses, whether it be for their stunning rise to prominence under America's patriotic backdrop following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, or their more vilified persona in 2007 for their "Spygate" indiscretion.

But the shifting winds of the NFL are blowing attention elsewhere in 2009. For the first time since their near decade-long romp through the league, interest in the happenings in Foxborough are no longer at a fever pitch. Epitomized by the dramatics in the Jets-Dolphins Monday-night tussle, the AFC East is becoming increasingly defined by the fresh starts in South Florida and the Big Apple.

Of course, this isn't too suggest that the balance of power in the division has shifted to those up-and-coming franchises. In fact, the AFC East (outside of the woeful and utterly lost Bills) is as balanced as it's been in years.
And in the physical gauntlet the division has turned into, it's no longer going to be the aerial aesthetics of Tom Brady to Randy Moss that will vault the Pats back to their perch atop the standings. It's going to be the grind-it-out, blue-collar work of the new-look defense.

What's amazing when taking a macro look at the club's dominance in this decade is that while future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick is regarded as one of the game's top defensive minds, his teams have earned their places in history primarily for their offensive prowess. Yet the offense simply isn't what it once was, and thus, for the '09 Pats to emerge victorious, Belichick needs to reassert the notion that his team can get it done by clogging lanes and swatting balls. It might illuminate with as much aesthetic flair as the head coach's drab, gray hoodie, but it's what's necessary.

Thus far, the Pats have given every indication that they're able to win this way. Despite much personnel turnover, the defense is doing Belichick proud. NT Vince Wilfork has feasted upon the helpless competition across the line as he angles for the new contract he so richly deserves. LB Jerod Mayo returned to the lineup in Week Five having shown little indication that he won't soon return to his game-breaking ways. The secondary, featuring new starters at three of four positions, is the best it's been in years, despite an off outing vs. the Broncos.

The timing for the offense-to-defense identity shift couldn't come at a more opportune time with the Jets breaking in rookie QB Mark Sanchez, the Dolphins adjusting to second-year vet and first-year starter Chad Henne and the Bills ... well, the Bills just don't matter.

And if the Pats' defense continues laying the lumber, it's only going to be a matter of time before the NFL starts paying attention to the Pats again, even if it's for different reasons than in the past.