3 teams that could go 17-0 in the 2022 NFL season, ft. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Every year, fans hope their favorite NFL team goes undefeated for the entire season. However, this accomplishment is extremely rare. It is so rare, in fact, that only two teams have ever done it before.
The first team to do so was the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went 14-0 in the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs, winning Super Bowl VII. The other unbeaten team were the 2007 New England Patriots, who went 16-0 in the regular season. Their playoff record was 2-1, as they lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.
On that note, here are three NFL teams that have a realistic shot at an undefeated season in the 2022 campaign:
#1 Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts had a good start to the 2021 NFL season with quarterback Carson Wentz under center. They were poised to make the playoffs with a wildcard spot. However, they had a meltdown near the end of the campaign.
While the Colts needed just one win in their last two games, they blew a lead against the Las Vegas Raiders and lost by double digits to the worst team of the season, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Crazy to wake up and remember the colts literaly lost to the jaguars in a clown game
They could turn things around this coming season, considering they have the sixth weakest schedule.
(by @Upwork)
: 2022 NFL Schedule Release -- Tonight at 8pm ET on @NFLNetwork
Every team's strength of schedule for next season. 👀 (by @Upwork)
📺: 2022 NFL Schedule Release -- Tonight at 8pm ET on @NFLNetwork https://t.co/VCIjmsNK13
They have an excellent rushing offense built around Jonathan Taylor. Additionally, the Colts traded Wentz and acquired Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran quarterback should add a lot of value to this squad.
#2 New England Patriots
This is a left-field choice. The Patriots are right in the middle for strength of schedule next season (16th) and lack a bit of quarterback experience. Mac Jones is only entering his second year in the NFL, but based on his rookie season, there is cause for optimism.
@Matt_Bowers_ I always remember when a wild card team went on to beat the mighty 18-0 Patriots in the Super Bowl. Nobody was picking the Giants to make the Super Bowl, but anything can happen in the playoffs. Especially if you have a great defense. And we do.
The Patriots are a dark horse to go 17-0, thanks to their brilliant head coach and spectacular defense, a combination that got them into the wild card round last season.
#3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The final team on this list is an obvious choice: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They will be led by Tom Brady, who has come out of retirement for at least one more season in the NFL.
The Buccaneers have arguably the best quarterback in NFL history leading a potent offense. Despite their defensive struggles, their offensive power will be more than enough to outgun their opponents. Tampa Bay have the fourth-hardest schedule in the NFL, but this might not be enough to slow them down.
Will Tom Brady repeat his 2007 achievement with the Buccaneers? With the season kicking off in just two months' time, we don't have long to wait to find out.