Undefeated Patriots Look Unbeatable Behind Tom Brady, Stellar Defense

It seems like nothing can derail the New England Patriots this season.

Even while dealing with injuries, mistakes and simply average play, the squad still has the tools to earn a blowout win to move to 8-0 on the year. This is a scary thought for opposing teams.

Despite a 27-10 victory over the Washington Redskins, the performance seemed like a disappointing one. Tom Brady was good, but it was still one of his quieter days in this otherwise unbelievable season. He finished with 299 passing yards and two touchdowns with an interception in the win, a drop from his 20 touchdowns and just one pick in his first seven games. 

Rob Gronkowski had his lowest output of 2015 with 47 yards and no touchdowns, likely disappointing many fantasy owners around the country.

Most importantly, the Patriots lost some key players to injury in the game, including running back Dion Lewis and tackle Sebastian Vollmer. The status for each remains in question going forward, and losing either for additional games could be damaging for the offense.

Bleacher Report's Erik Frenz discussed the mindset after the win:

There is certainly some merit to this thought process, but it's important to remember how difficult it is to win in the NFL regardless of opponent. A team that loses its top running back and left tackle (the third injured left tackle for the Patriots this season) and struggles with efficiency (3-of-6 in the red zone) usually loses, yet the Patriots continue to blow out opponents.

Bill Barnwell notes how dominant New England has been this season:

One of the keys in the win was the strong play of the defense, which entered the day ranked eighth in the NFL in points allowed per game. While the Redskins aren't exactly an offensive juggernaut, the Patriots defense sans Jamie Collins still managed to shut down Washington's top playmakers.

The Redskins managed just 250 total yards and 10 points, with an 83-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes of the blowout padding each of those figures. Although some dropped passes hurt Washington's chances, it also totaled just 37 rushing yards on 15 carries. After holding the Miami Dolphins to just 15 rushing yards in Week 8, it's clear New England's run defense is no longer the problem it was earlier in the season.

Over the past two weeks, the Patriots defense has now allowed just 17 combined points after giving up an average of 25.2 in the first six games. This level of play could make an already elite squad unstoppable.

Meanwhile, another positive note is the play of the makeshift offensive line, which featured Cameron Fleming at left tackle and Bryan Stork at right tackle in the second half.

"They played real hard. I’m proud of them," Brady said of the offensive line after the game, per the Boston Herald. "For Bryan [Stork] to go in and play right tackle—he hadn’t played center this year. It’s incredible."

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Although the shifting offensive line is not ideal, the unit still allowed zero sacks on the day and only a single quarterback hit. This is a credit to all of the players and coaches involved in keeping Brady upright.

For all opposing teams still to play New England this season, it is time to start wondering how to potentially beat them. They lose offensive linemen and they still protect the passer flawlessly. They lose a talented running back and LeGarrette Blount answers with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown. Brandon Bolden also added a receiving touchdown that might have gone to Lewis. Even when the Redskins slowed down Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell came through with 102 receiving yards.

There are simply too many weapons offensively to hold down, and the outstanding coaching always finds ways to put players in the best position possible. With Tom Brady once again playing at an MVP level, this squad will be difficult to beat as long as No. 12 is in the lineup.

Now that New England's defense is starting to match its offense, pulling off an upset will require top-tier execution from an opponent in every phase of the game.

Although completing an undefeated season is never easy and there is a long way to go before it could happen, the Patriots have clearly emerged as the best team in football. Even with other teams keeping their undefeated records intact, New England has no equal at the moment.

As long as this squad plays to its ability, there will be many more blowout wins in the future.

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