Remember a few months ago when Kelvin Benjamin tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins? Every analyst thought the Panthers’ season was over before it started, with predictions that the Falcons or the Saints would win the division. The Panthers have gone to prove everyone wrong, boasting the first 11-0 record in franchise history.

So what has brought this team to where it is now? It starts with the defense. Josh Norman is emerging as one of the best, if not the best cornerback, in the NFL. He’s had four interceptions, returning them for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Just look at the Thanksgiving game, where Norman covered star receiver Dez Bryant, limiting him to one reception for six yards. Bryant had a total two catches for 26 yards.

 Another key component of the defense is linebacker Luke Kuechly. He has 75 tackles on the season with three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He’s shown to be the captain of this defense.

On offense, it’s all about quarterback Cam Newton. On the season, he has 20 touchdowns to only nine interceptions and has rushed for seven touchdowns. Despite having a mediocre QBR of 58.5, he has shown to be an MVP candidate this year. This, added by a solid run game by Jonathan Stewart, makes for a surprisingly high-scoring offense.

The Panthers have shown to be, in my opinion, the most complete team in the NFL. With the Patriots losing many key offensive components, the Panthers are most likely to go undefeated and have the potential to make a deep playoff run.