10 reasons why the Patriots are undefeated

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4. Ferocious pass rush

The pass rush that Patriots fans have been wanting for several years has finally arrived. This unit is tied for the second-highest sack total in the league, 26, with the St. Louis Rams and just behind the Denver Broncos.

Leading the charge has been Chandler Jones, whose 8.5 sacks are tied for the individual league lead with J.J. Watt. That’s some good company for a defensive end who has struggled with injury problems in his young career. Barring another injury, Jones will most definitely eclipse his career-best of 11.5 sacks in one season.

Related: With Jones, Fletcher off PUP defense gets even better

In addition to leading the Patriots in total tackles, Defensive Player of the Year candidate Jamie Collins has been making his presence known in the backfield, tallying 4.5 sacks thus far. He’s on pace to reach double-digits, which would certainly bolster his DPOY argument.

Collins’ partner at inside linebacker, Dont’a Hightower, has recorded 3.5 sacks of his own. Hightower continues to play like the AFC’s Luke Kuechly.

Despite playing in only five games (he’s missed the past two), Jabaal Sheard has four sacks to his name in the 2015 season. Without a doubt, the addition of Sheard was one of the slyest free agency signings of the offseason.

Thanks to the contributions of the front seven, the Patriots have had a…

Next: 3. Better-than-expected secondary