The Patriots have won four straight division titles, and are on the verge of a fifth, not because of a dominant defense, or superior skill-position players, or better college scouting than their AFC East rivals.
It's because of two reasons — they have a better coach, and a better quarterback, than everyone else.
The Dolphins made a statement in their 24-20 victory over the Patriots Sunday: "We're coming for you."
Now, we'd be foolish to say Joe Philbin is on par with Bill Belichick, or Ryan Tannehill is morphing into the next Tom Brady. But the pair, both in their second seasons with the Dolphins, stood toe to toe with the Patriots twice this season. They jumped to a 17-3 lead against the Patriots in Foxborough in Week 8 before wilting in the second half, and finally defeated the Patriots Sunday for the first time in four tries (and the first for Miami's franchise since 2009).
It was the Dolphins who were more athletic on both sides of the football — Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Rishard Matthews carving up the Patriots' secondary, and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe flying around the field, shutting down Shane Vereen. It was the Dolphins who disguised their blitzes, confused the Patriots' offensive line, and frustrated Brady in the pocket.
And it was Tannehill completing 67 percent of his passes, and making big throw after big throw in crucial moments, like the 24-yarder to Matthews in the final minutes and the game-winning touchdown pass to Marcus Thigpen, displaying perfect touch and accuracy despite having a defender in his face.
Don't argue the Patriots are a depleted team now, because so are the Dolphins. Their offensive line has been patched together ever since Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin disappeared. And their secondary played the final series without their top three cornerbacks — Brady was throwing against a rookie third-rounder (Will Davis), a safety who hadn't played cornerback in three years (Jimmy Wilson), and a safety who was plucked off the 49ers' practice squad last week (Michael Thomas).
The Patriots are still the class of the division and will likely be the champions again. But the Dolphins proved Sunday they're closing the gap.
A review of the game after watching the coaches' tape:
When the Patriots had the ball . . .
When the Dolphins had the ball . . .
Special teams . . .
Game balls
Ben Volin can be reached at ben.volin@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @BenVolin