Randy Moss ran away from Vontae Davis on Sunday.

Is there any catching the Pats?

It took Tom Brady a little longer than anyone probably wanted to believe to get his rhythm back this season.

But now he’s fully in sync with wide receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker, and the Patriots’ offense is improving on a weekly basis. That’s been the most significant stride the Patriots have made during a successful first half. They’re 6-2 (2-1 in the AFC East), and their two losses have been the result of just two bad halves of football.

With Brady (2,364 passing yards, 16 TDs, five interceptions), Moss (49 catches, 712 yards, five TDs) and Welker (55, 568, four) in form, the Patriots have another Super Bowl on their minds.

Preseason fears about Pats defense unfounded

Before the season, you were part of one of two camps: You either thought the Patriots’ defense would have more holes than a chainlink fence, or you believed they were improving, but not quite there yet.

Either way, New England’s defense has been a pleasant surprise and a rousing success through eight games in 2009. It’s ranked third in points allowed and sixth in total yardage — entering last night, only the surprisingly strong Broncos were better in both categories.

The Pats have also forced 15 turnovers, which is tied for third in the AFC and eighth in the whole NFL.

Punching it in from short range a problem

Bill Belichick seems to be getting bored with his team’s failings in the offensive red zone.

The Patriots had four trips inside the Dolphins 20 on Sunday and came away with just one touchdown and three field goals. It’s been a disturbing trend this season.

“Once again, the biggest problem for us was in the red area,” Belichick said. “We got the ball down there three or four times, whatever it was, and ended up just kicking field goals.” The Patriots have scored 15 touchdowns in 34 red zone visits this season.