For the Patriots, winning is fundamental.(NFL)

When I view game film, I notice defenders lying on the ground. They can't make plays on the ground. But if they play with a good base, with their feet beneath them and in good hitting position, they should be able to stay upright until they make a tackle.

In the AFC championship game, Pittsburgh's defenders had trouble staying on their feet. But not one Patriots defender slipped or fell. Not the entire game. That's good fundamental football.

And that's what the Patriots are about. Yes, they display great teamwork and selflessness. Their coaching is outstanding. But if Bill Belichick is a genius, it's not so much about schemes as it is about teaching and demanding strong fundamental play and putting each player in the best possible position to succeed.

I saw Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson bend his knees, get underneath fullback Dan Kreider's pads and melt him in the hole. I hadn't seen that happen to Kreider all year, but that's what happens with sound technique. The Patriots also made Alan Faneca, whom I consider the best guard in the league, look average. Every time he'd be slightly off balance, Tedy Bruschi or somebody would square up, hit Faneca and knock him down. More good fundamentals. And the way the Patriots' offensive linemen handled stunts, well, you could use ...