Our panel of NFL Insiders breaks down which team has the most dominant position group in football. Plus: Which unit will hold back a contender and which QB has done the most with the least?
What's the strongest unit right now?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: It's still the Minnesota Vikings' defense even after a sloppy loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that featured poor special teams play. This unit under coach Mike Zimmer continues to create panic and turnovers. Through six games, the Vikings are holding opposing quarterbacks to a ridiculously low Total QBR (25.6), and Minnesota is tied with Seattle at the top of the NFL for points allowed per game (14.0). They have a dynamic mix of extremely smart coaching and versatile talent at all three levels of the field. That's tough to plan against.
Dan Graziano, national NFL insider: For me, it's that Dallas Cowboys' offensive line. All around the league, every week, we're looking at lines that can't block and are overwhelmed. The Vikings-Eagles game I was at Sunday was an exhibition of rotten line play. It feels like every team is struggling up front, and not only are the Cowboys competent, they're consistently excellent. The advantage that gives them on a week-to-week basis, given how big an issue it is for so many other teams, makes them the most dominant unit right now.