It was just the rookie's first pass of the game. The kid never saw it coming. On the third play of the A.F.C. championship game, safety Eugene Wilson intercepted a pass from Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Rothelisberger, and New England's defense had asserted itself that quickly.The Patriots' defense has been nothing short of incredible the past two seasons, and another Super Bowl win would cement its legacy as one of the best defenses of all time. In 37 games over two seasons including the playoffs, they've allowed a stingy 10.2 points per game, winning 33 of those games.

They've done it as favorites, holding off a furious second half attack from the Carolina Panthers last year in Super Bowl XXXVIII. They've done it as underdogs, holding Peyton Manning's record-breaking offense to just three points in the divisional playoff game this season.

In a league blessed with true parity thanks to a hard salary cap, the Patriots have a dynasty at their fingertips, due to excellent management and outstanding coaching.

They've endured their share of hardships, including season-ending injuries to key players, but a humble, professional and no-nonsense attitude permeates throughout this organization and is exemplified on the field.

The Patriots are a perfectly organized brigade of troops, but it all starts with Coach Bill Bellichick as their general. Though they are already the most dominant team of this decade, Bellichik and his staff consistently address the areas that need improvement.

His defensive schemes are unmatched and his players are the most intelligent in the N.F.L. for effectively absorbing his game plan, switching coverage down to the last second of the play clock, executing on the fly and even changing positions.

With such an amazing defense complemented by an offense led by two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, it seems the Patriots are the obvious pick in this year's Super Bowl.

Bellichick's modesty resonates throughout as every player on this perfectly well-rounded team spends more time focusing on improvement than they do on celebration, and they have had a lot to celebrate the past two seasons.

If two Super Bowl victories in the past three seasons and two last minute game-winning drives from Brady are any indication, there's a lesson to be learned. Betting against the Patriots is a mistake, because they always find a way.

Patriots win, 20-10.