No one's discouting Denver as a tough team, we know that they are.
Us Patriots fans are just being optimistic that it'll be a close fought out game. The defense has improved a hell lot better, especially against the run. Patriots after the loss ranked at the bottom of the barrel, giving up an average of 130+ yards a game. Since then, they finished the season with the 8th best D against the run, giving up an average of 98 yards. It featured no bruschi, seymour, dillon, givens, and faulk. The Patriots were at their lowest point on both sides of the ball for that game.
So no, Im not going into Saturday night thinking it'll be a cake walk. What is evident for New England: one of the best front 7 of the current playoff teams, Tom Brady (look for him to step up over what happened last in Denver); Belichick; most clutch of a kicker; revamped secondary moreso than early in the season (can you said Duane Starks? :what: ). Easier said then done I know, but I got to have the faith in my boys.
Its going to be a hell of a pressure-filled game, fingers crossed but I cant wait
EDIT: Its been announced that the Patriots are underdogs by 3 1/2