New England Patriots: 5 Reasons They Are the Best in the NFL

Indeed the New England Patriots started off and still are the best team in the NFL.

The Pats are poised to make another deep run for the Lombardi trophy behind the prolific play of Tom Brady and the New England offense.  After starting 5-1 overall alongside a heroic comeback victory last week, it looks like they have the necessary tools to make it a reality. 

Other teams such as the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints all have great records as well, but seem to lack that X factor that ultimately makes a team the best. 

Here are five reasons that Tom Brady and company are still the best team in the NFL.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady is in the process of having a historic and record setting year for any quarterback in the history of the NFL. 

In the 2011 season through six games, he has already amassed 2,163 yards passing while throwing 16 touchdown passes.  He is averaging close to 360 yards per game and at this pace, he is poised to break his own career record in passing yards set in 2007 at 4,806. 

However, it is not only the sheer numbers that makes him exceptional but also his poise and ability to will his team to victory.  As seen during last Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, he led his team down the field during the last two minutes of the game and threw a touchdown pass to put the team up four with around 20 seconds left. 

Brady is always calm and collected in the pocket.  No matter what happens in the game, the entire team knows there is chance to win with Brady quarterbacking the team.

Wes Welker

As great as Tom Brady is, he could not put up the numbers he has been without the help of wide receiver Wes Welker. 

Welker is also on pace to set a career high in touchdown catches and yards.  Through six games he has 51 receptions, 785 yards and six touchdown passes.  He leads the NFL in receptions, yards and receiving yards per game while taking second in total touchdowns.

His routes are clean and quick and he manages to always find a way to get into the open space of a defense.  One of his greatest attributes is probably his work ethic as well.  For a player who is leading the league in almost all receiving categories, it looks like nothing is going to be enough. 

The Lombardi trophy is on his mind and he will continue to work hard in order to achieve it.  

Bill Belichick

Just recently, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady achieved 116 wins as a player and coach combo.  This takes both a special type of quarterback and a coaching staff who understands the capabilities of the team that they are leading.

Also important is Belichick’s constant talk that this team is played as a team and not an individual or duo.  Granted no team can do as well as the Pats have without a great coach and quarterback, but in a world where individuals are looking for fame and glory more than ever, it is nice to see someone acknowledge the importance of team play.

In a recent postgame interview Belichick was asked about his relationship with Brady as well as their tremendous win record.  Belichick started off his response by saying, “It definitely takes a whole team—I think that's the big thing.”

Having a few exceptional players are great, but when the coach instills in the team that everyone is vital to the overall success, the result is a team capable of winning multiple championships.  

Poise

This team has been there and done that.  Whether it's fourth quarter deficits, poor defense, poor offense or even injuries, nothing really rattles the team anymore.  They are mentally a true group of veterans.

Belichick’s systematical offense is one of the key reasons that the team is so consistent in terms of output.  Having this system helps a team remain confident in winning the game no matter the situation.  Brady leading the way during the fourth quarter never hurts either. 

The tight ends on the team have been playing incredibly well and when it matters most, such as in the Dallas game.  They make the catches that help put the team on top.

New England’s defense has also been widely criticized for their lackluster effort.  On average they are allowing over 350 yards per game and yet their record is still one of the best in the league. 

However, when it comes down to a situation where a stop is needed, that defense will most likely deliver, giving the clutch offense another shot at putting points on the board.  

Hunger

Ever since the Patriots won their three Superbowl rings, many players have come and gone.  The current team in the 2011 season has a majority of players who have never won a ring and are hungry to win one.

Many coaches will say one of the key components of a championship team are players who want to win enough to put in the extra work and focus that much more. 

With as much talent as this team has had in recent years, the only things they have to really show for it are great offensive records.  This is not something that anybody on the team cares much for unless it ends with the team winning the ring.  

A talented team led by a great coach can make it to the postseason.  However, add hunger to win a championship and it creates a group of teammates who will stop at nothing to win the final game of the 2011-2012 NFL season.