Not as much as the fact the Pats record is the same as it is outside of their division, they win 3 out of 4 no matter who they play. Anyone believing the AFC East myth needs to do a little research and they will see they own the best record against other division winners and it's not even a contest.
And do those making fun of that division think the Cowboys would have won 3 of the last 5 if the Pats were in the NFC East?
You can hate Kraft, Belichick, Brady, Boston, all that and there is no denying who sets the standard and by which all are measured in the last 20 years. To make up excuses for greatness is to deny greatness. I don't like them but I do respect them for I embrace greatness. I did it with the Packers, Steelers, Niners and didn't like them them as well because they owned my Cowboys, fortunately we got in there in the 90's are in the discussion and greatest ever, and it is the same with them.
We will play 16 games this season but 1 stands out above all others for we get to face the beast in it's own lair. And not early when most catch them napping, we get them in late November when they're usually humming for the stretch run. Anyone think that's just another game? Want to really know what you're made of? Play the best in the late game on their own playground in late November. Brrrrrrrr, I just got a shiver and it's 96 outside.