Entering week six of the NFL, there are six undefeated teams, setting a record for the most undefeated teams this deep into the season in NFL history. A few of the teams are far less surprising than the others, and that group includes the Patriots, Packers and Broncos who are all led by the top quarterbacks(Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady) in the league.
There are three surprise teams in the group of the undefeated, with two of them coming out of what some NFL fans would say was the worst division last season, the NFC South. The Falcons, Panthers and Bengals are the undefeated teams that not many people outside of their own fan bases would have predicted would be in this position.
The Falcons have been the most impressive team in the NFL, as they have pulled out some close victories while also managing to blow out the Houston Texans 48-21. There are some major factors in the way the Falcons have been so successful.
Matt Ryan is the first factor. Ryan is a monster and one of the most efficient quarter backs in the league. The duo between him and Falcons’ offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who is the second factor, is unbelievable.
Ryan has shined this year in Shanahan’s system throwing for over 1400 yards through five games and six touchdowns. The rushing statistics have also been great, with 630 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Ryan is an elite franchise quarterback and since he entered the league in 2008, he is first in the NFL to register 30 game winning drives.
The offensive line has also been a huge factor in the success of the Falcons. Atlanta’s offensive line was ranked 26th in the NFL last year, but Jake Matthews is healthy at left tackle this year finally and leading them. The Falcons have made some much needed changes in the interior section of the line. As of right now, the offensive line is ranked number one in the NFL.
Atlanta’s defense has also been a stabilizing factor in their hot start this season. The defensive backs have given up over 1400 yards, but they have intercepted the ball six times, which is as many times as they have allowed scores. Rushing wise they have only allowed 392 yards, but teams have mostly been passing while playing from behind.
The Falcons have been very dominant so far this season, and that has shown in their 5-0 start. A season after the team finished third in the NFC South with a 6-10 record, they look poised to capture the division crown.
