Knock on Wood: Preminition of the Patriots

An undefeated season… an almost unprecedented thought as it has happened only once prior in the illustrious past of the National Football League.

The 1972 Miami Dolphins, coached by Don Shula and led by bruising running back Larry Csonka and gun-slinging quarterback Bob Greise, are the only team ever to reach the end of the arduous trail that is the lengthy NFL season unscathed and still gleaming.

They perched atop their promontory with 14 wins and no losses, looking into the postseason with an optimism unmatched by any team. The ‘Phins of ‘72 proceeded to go untouched throughout the postseason as well, gaining victories in the next three games, one of which was the hollowed Super Bowl. They finished at a perfect 17-0.

The New England Patriots of the 2007-2008 campaign seem the most worthy of bringing home the “trophy” and title of only the second team ever to be unbeaten, a daunting task which now would consist of winning 19 games.

They have scored over thirty points per game and with such connections as Tom Brady to Randy Moss, the Pats seem untouchable. They have a slew of talent in all three facets of the game. Names such as Rodney Harrison, Junior Seau, Adalius Thomas, Tedy Bruschi, and Asante Samuel ring out loud and clear when defensive bests are in question, and they also have a slick and speedy return man in Wes Welker, making them solid on offense, defense, and special teams.

Oh, and not to mention that perhaps the anchor of their defense and best defensive end in the game, Richard Seymour, as well as one of the league’s youngest most talented bright lights in running back Laurence Maroney both have been absent for a large portion of the season thus far. The Patriots, nonetheless, have posted a league tying best record of six wins and no losses and with the trouncing of a fellow unbeaten franchise in the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night proves that they are the real deal and the best team in the NFL.

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