By Ian Kea

How could anyone doubt two men referred to as “Tom Terrific” and “In Bill We Trust”?

The Patriots left Orchard Park, New York, on Sunday afternoon leading the AFC East at 4-2 after toppling the Buffalo Bills 37-2.

The Patriots did not just achieve moral victories and boost team confidence here, but they also showed up the local and national media who had doubted them again and again after a slow 2-2 start to the season.

At the helm, Brady was the “Brady of old” with four touchdown passes to three different receivers who were not even on the Patriots roster last year. Brady hushed his critics and left the subject of a trade and the prospect of Jimmy Garoppolo taking over for another day.

The Patriots receiving corps made Brady look like the Brady fans love. Wide-outs Julian Edelman, Brandon Lafell along with tight end Rob Gronkowski had more than 90 yards receiving while LaFell took two of Brady’s throws to the house.

The Pats might have also struck gold with former Florida A&M product Brian Tyms who has bounced around the league until this season. During the preseason, Tyms shined but after a four game suspension, he finally paid dividends on Sunday when he caught a 43-yard bomb from Brady in triple coverage in the end zone. The catch reminisced of the days where the long ball was a part of the Patriots offense during the “Randy Moss era.”

Although they were good in the passing game, the Patriots offensive line struggled once again leaving Brady helpless twice and hurried on many other occasions. Last week the Patriots started Brian Stork at center but due to Stork’s injury, the Patriots had to shift the line’s rotation. Once Stork is healthy, the Patriots consistency up front can possibly gain ground.

The Patriots defense has improved week-by-week. The Patriots are No. 1 in the league for turnover differential. With contributions from Jamie Collins to Darrelle Revis, this defense has a rare ability to create turnovers at a high rate, a valued trait come playoff time.

With a win at a rowdy Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Patriots look to further their AFC East conquest against New York Jets at home Thursday night, but they will have to do so without two starters on both sides of the ball.

The Patriots lost running back Stevan Ridley to an MCL and ACL tear and linebacker Jerod Mayo suffered a lower leg injury. Both injuries will require surgery, subsequently ending their season. Halfback Brandon Bolden and linebacker Dont’a Hightower will take over those starting roles.

Although criticized and banged up two things are for sure; this Pats squad has proven its mental toughness and that the AFC East goes solely through Foxborough for now.