Why is everyone so scared of the Patriots?

I think the main reason is that they are the ONLY team left on the schedule that is any good. They are the only team left on the schedule that has a real (as opposed to fluke) shot at knocking us off. Sure, we could still lose any of the 6 games remaining, but against the Falcons, Skins, Cowdung, Bucs, and Panthers, losing would be a fluke because none of them are very good. The Pats, however, are a good team - not outstanding like in 2007, but a good team nonetheless - and supposedly motivated to keep us from matching their regular season undefeated record.

That's why. I think we've got all the pieces to smash them, of course, but it is the NFL and anything can happen. We'll see. I agree with the OP, though. Even with the threat of Wes Welker and Randy Moss, they should be more scared of us.