New England Patriots: Four Takeaways From 34-9 Win Over The Detroit Lions
By Cyrus Geller
Nov 23, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Gillette Stadium is reflected in the visor of New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) prior to a game against the Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
3. This Team Is The Best In The NFL
If you had any doubts regrading the status of this team coming into this game, I think Tom Brady and company made sure to erase any of those thoughts. This team is without a doubt the best squad in the league right now, and I don’t see any team even close to them aside from the Green Bay Packers.
Offensively, the Pats are unstoppable. They have the best quarterback in the league, they have a deep stable of running backs, an offensive line that is really gelling right now, and a set of weapons that is just as good as any other high-scoring squad in the league. And to prove it, they just had their way with the best defense in the league.
On the defensive side of the ball, there have been questions about that front seven without Chandler Jones and Jerod Mayo, but they have more than answered the bell since those two went down. Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins are emerging as one of the best duos in NFL, and Akeem Ayers has given them a very nice pass rush from the edge with Jones sidelined. But all of that doesn’t really matter compared to their secondary, which is not only the best secondary Bill Belichick has ever had, but it is the best secondary in the NFL today.
Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner always have the top two targets on lock, and in terms of coverage, Devin McCourty is the best safety in the league. They are also incredibly deep, which comes in handy when facing the Broncos, or the Packers.
The bottom line is this: There is no other team that has the overall talent of this New England Patriots squad. They have proven it week in and week out, not only beating quality opponents, but crushing them.
One last stat I will leave you with: The Pats have outscored the opposition 277-137 over the last seven games. That’s a 140-point spread. This is the best team in the league. There is no debate.