The New England Patriots (USA) went 16-0 in 2007, becoming the first club in NFL history to do so since the league switched to a 16-game schedule in 1978. The previous record was 15-1, which was set by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 and 1975. The Patriots were also the first American professional sports team to win 17 games in a season. They achieved this feat while playing two more games than in previous years (they played only 16 in 2006 because of a scheduling quirk that will not be repeated). The last time anyone went 16-0 was by the Chicago Bears in 1934.
In addition to being the best record in football, the Patriots were also awarded their third straight title as league MVPs went to quarterback Tom Brady, who had a career year with 4,057 yards passing and 28 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He is the first player to achieve such numbers while maintaining a rating of 95 or higher on every attempt he made. Wide receiver Randy Moss finished with 1,533 receiving yards, which is a new franchise record, while rookie running back Laurence Maroney led the way with 743 rushing yards.
It was also the first time the Patriots have started 0-4, although they did go winless in 2001 (0-16).
The Patriots of New England The New England Patriots were the first team to go undefeated throughout the regular season since the league expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978. The Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and earned their third straight title after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26–16 in the Super Bowl. Tom Brady was named the game's MVP.
They are also the only team to finish with a perfect record. The last team to do so was the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who finished 13–0.
Brady became the first quarterback to win three MVP awards. He was joined on the award list by wide receiver Randy Moss and center Jeff Saturday.
Moss was nominated for his role in helping the Patriots reach their fourth consecutive Super Bowl. During this time, he recorded 11 touchdowns catches in 12 games. His 112 receptions are the most by a player in a single season.
Saturday was nominated for his work on offense and defense. He started at center for the Patriots and also played offensive guard.
New England's dominance was evident from the beginning. They opened the season with a 21–17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Foxboro. It was the earliest opening day game ever played.
The 2007 New England Patriots are the only team to go unbeaten in a regular season, winning 16 games. The 1972 Miami Dolphins were the other team to go unbeaten, although their schedule was just 14 games long. That Miami squad went on to win the Super Bowl the next year, going 17-0.
In addition to these two teams, three other clubs (Chicago Bears, 1956; Pittsburgh Steelers, 1969; and San Francisco 49ers, 1981) came close to perfection but lost one game during the regular season. All six teams were given perfect seasons by the league's organizers - who had the option of canceling any non-playing part of their schedule if there weren't enough good games to play - and all won at least 10 games.
The Patriots are the only team to go undefeated during a regular season since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. They're also the first team from either league to do so.
By winning their last game of the season against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, the Patriots became the first team in NFL history to finish 16-0. The Chicago Bears had the best record in football in 1926 and 1927, but both teams lost games after reaching agreements with selected opponents to free up time to practice and prepare for upcoming games. The Patriots have now done the same thing this year, agreeing to play against the Philadelphia Eagles in an exhibition game on August 26th at Boston's Fenway Park.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc.
