Accentuate the positive

The Patriots head to Miami for a huge divisional game licking their wounds from the Monday night beating the Saints put on them. If the Pats lose to the Wildcats -- and it's a definite possibility -- then we can all stop talking about playoff seedings and start talking about simply making the playoffs.

The Saints exposed a lot of negatives about the Pats. The red zone offense continues to struggle. There is almost no pass rush. The secondary is prone to giving up the big play at the wrong time. When defenses contain Wes Welker the Pats's offense is a lot less dangerous. There is almost no pass rush!

But there are some positives to look at as the team heads into the final month of the regular season.

Laurence Maroney: Yes, I still cringe every time he gets the ball because I'm waiting to see it rolling loose on the ground. But he is beginning to look like he did at the start of his rookie year before all the injuries and bad dance moves at the line of scrimmage started. He has scored a touchdown in six straight games and looks a lot stronger hitting the hole. Now if the Pats would just hand him the ball more when they have a lead in the second half.

Getting healthy: The Pats have had their share of injuries but they are starting to get those guys back. O linemen Matt Light and Nick Kazcur are back and their replacements -- Sebastian Vollmer in particular -- did a solid job while they were gone showing that the position has a lot of depth. The key now will be to pick the five guys (Vollmer should start) they want to go with the rest of the way and let them get in a groove. The other important name returning from injury is Fred Taylor. The veteran was just hitting his stride when he went down in October. His return, along with Sammy Morris, give the Pats what they had at the start of the season -- a varied and deep running attack.

Mayo and Brady: Speaking of health, the best playmakers on either side of the ball are still working their way back from major injuries. Brady seems almost all the way back while Mayo continues to be a step or two slower than when he was the AFC defensive rookie of the year but hopefully he can be closer to top speed come playoff time.

Wes Welker: Simply put, he's the most reliable and effective WR in the game. He seems to have 10 or more catches every game. Moss is a threat to haul in a 70-yard touchdown on every play (at least on the plays he's putting in the effort) but it's Welker who makes this team go. Some may see having your slot receiver as your best offensive weapon as a weakness, but not me. Look at the guy. He's as tough as any fullback and as dangerous as any wideout. When he's making yards-after-the-catch the Pats are tough to stop.

Tuly Banta-Cain: A two year vacation in SF has not hurt his game. He leads the team in sacks and has become a presence on the edge with his speed and size. He's the best pass rusher the team has and -- no offense Tuly -- but that's the problem. He would be a good second or third pass rusher. The Pats need someone (Green? Mayo?) to step up and give Banta-Cain some help getting after the QB.

Special teams: This is a lot about Welker too. He's had several big returns in the past month and seems to be getting stronger. Add that to a solid punting game and Gostkowski having another great year and special teams looks like a positive heading into the playoffs where it plays an even bigger role.

The schedule: After traveling to Miami the Pats finish with games against Carolina, at Buffalo, Jacksonville, and at Houston. The last two will be difficult. The Jets have to play Indy and Cincy so, even though they outlasted the Bills last night, they are looking at 9-7 at best. Miami has to play the red-hot Titans and finish up against the Steelers. Two tough games. Barring a complete collapse, the schedule should allow the Pats to take the AFC East and host a first-round playoff game. Most likely against Denver. Now that would be fun.