The New England Patriots have been one of the most impressive teams thus far.
Photo courtesy of Brian J. McDermott (Flickr)
This NFL season has been entertaining from the start and is only looking to get more interesting going forward. So far, there are five teams this 2015-16 NFL season that remain undefeated. These teams are the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.
Overall, these teams are playing at their very best and excelling against all the teams they have played so far. These teams have some similarities, such as having offenses that get many yards leading to the red zone, which is why they score so much. Their defenses are aggressive and force turnovers, traits which certainly assist their offenses by earning more opportunities to score. These teams are all leading their divisions at the moment, with either a 5-0 or 6-0 record.
New England Patriots
Led by head coach Bill Belichick along with their future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady, the Patriots are moving the ball on offense at a fast pace and pass very efficiently down the field. The Patriots put up several touchdowns on the score board every week no matter whom they play.
They are defending Super Bowl Champions from just a year ago and are looking to retain their title. Their most difficult games left this season are against the Denver Broncos, New York Jets (who they will play twice) and the Buffalo Bills. Besides those teams, they are hoping to continue their winning streak and take the division by storm.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are a team that has been very successful the last couple years due to their drafting but, most importantly, due to free agent signings. They have signed some big players who have contributed to their path to victory. They have a new coach this year, Gary Kubiak, who has been a influential leader and has been helping continue their success from the previous couple of seasons.
Peyton Manning is a future Hall-of-Famer that is giving it his all after shoulder and arm injuries that nearly ended his career, as well as a brutal neck surgery. He is still playing at his near-best at 39 years old.
The Broncos contain a powerhouse offense that can run and pass non-stop. They rarely turn the ball over, but when they do, they make up for it later in the game. With a solid defensive scheme and hard-working players, it seems like they’ll contend to win the division again this year. Still ahead are some incredibly competitive games against the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers (who will play against the Broncos twice), Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.
If they can balance their offense with running and passing, then they still have a chance to score against more intense defenses. It’s going to be an uphill battle until the end of the season, but the Broncos could have a chance for another playoff run.
Arizona Cardinals
This team is an unexpected underdog looking to win some critical games down the road. This year, their division is much more competitive and has some opponents that are more of a threat than in previous years. The Cardinals are hoping coach Ron Rivera can bring them back to the playoffs. However, this time around, they actually have a chance to win some games, which will bring them further into the season.
Cam Newton can run and pass to anyone on their offense, but the most amazing aspect of their team is that their defense is incredibly strong against the run and they are defending against the pass. Time will tell if their defense can hold against the better offenses in the league and if they can manage a solid core again. With a lot of challenging games ahead, they still have to face the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys.
They have a difficult schedule left that will truly test their limits as a team. Although they have been playing well, will they continue their success or will it run out when they begin playing more aggressive teams?
Cincinnati Bengals
Who would have guessed the Bengals would perform well in this season? The Bengals are playing their best football as a team in their history. Coach Marvin Lewis, who is the second longest-tenured head coach in the league, has tried building a dominating team since he joined the Bengals in 2003.
It took a lot of time, but he has finally developed some young talent and very good drafters. His offense can run past any team in the league.
The Bengals are loaded with offensive weapons and they have finally figured out how to use defense that struggles at points but forces turnovers in tight games. This might be their year to shine, but with some incredibly difficult games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Denver Broncos (who will play against the Bengals twice) and the Arizona Cardinals, it’s going to be an eventful season.
Green Bay Packers
With head coach Mike McCarthy calling the plays once again, the team has looked unstoppable so far and doesn’t show any signs of giving up. They have the unbelievable Aaron Rodgers passing better than ever, even with some key players injured. They have a good run attack now and an experienced coach in McCarthy. The Packers score very often and increase gaining yards each game. They move the ball and use up the play clock, which is why their time management is nearly the best in the league.
Their defense has a lot of experience along with some youth that can contribute in many ways. They’re hoping this is the year that they can move back to the championship game and pull it off with a circle victory.
Next week is a test of who will remain undefeated and who will have their first loss. They will play the Broncos next week followed by the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. They don’t have many difficult games left, but their next couple of games will set the tone, if they handle their opponents like they plan to.
As the season progresses, teams will be challenged and games will become incredibly competitive. Teams will be pushed to their limits in crucial situations and the better teams will rise up to the occasion. It takes practice, execution, good play calling, players remaining healthy and working as a team in order to win. If every team applies these elements, then there’s no doubt they will make the playoffs. All of these teams have one main goal: to bring a Super Bowl trophy back to their beloved city. Who will be the top team out of these five? Stay tuned to The Montclarion as we continue covering the NFL all season.
