This season first half is almost over and we still have five teams undefeated in the NFL. Clearly some teams have a better chance at maintaining that status and for others is not going to be any surprise they lose this week, some have had strong rivals more so than others, but what is implied is that they have made the big plays at the right times to ensure victory in each of their matches.
The Patriots look like the most dominant ones among the undefeated teams. They simply overwhelm their rivals in all phases of the game and never take their foot off the gas on the offensive.
Victims: Pittsburgh (4-2), Buffalo Bills (3-3), Jacksonville (2-4) at Dallas Cowboys (2-3), Colts (3-3) in Indianapolis Jets (4-1).
Keys to success:
Their defensive front is coming out to play and is doing it very well, players like Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins are having great games. In 39 of 70 offensive drives they have had so far, they have scored 3 or 7 points, or 55.7%, this taking into account that each for each game they have had at least one offensive series that took the clock to zero to end the first half or the game itself. Take away those six series, then your percentage of effectiveness would be a whooping 60.9%
They have won by: 14.5 points avg.
Total offense (yards): 2
Total defense (yards): 15
Next strong opponents in order of appearance:
Dolphins, Broncos in Denver, New York Jets. With Miami we put them on the list because of the strength they are having, are motivated and with a fresh start, but have a short week and a long trip north to face the Pats. the Defenses from Broncos and Jets will be interesting tests for the attack of New England, at least those of the Gang Green showed that they can play closely to their hated rivals.
Biggest challenge:
You really have to dig deep and be demanding to find something that this team is doing poorly, but we can point to the offensive line. Although the offensive system whereby the QB gets rid of the ball quickly, as he holds it for more than two seconds, the pocket begins to collapse, this is where opposing defenses could find a loophole against Brady.
