1972 Dolphins

Bryan asked for an article about if it was easier to go undefeated in 1972 than it is now. Here's something from Cold, Hard, Football Facts:

This possibility, of course, has led to comparisons with the 1972 Dolphins. The ’72 Dolphins, as every mental gridiron midget certain knows, are the only team in NFL history to go through an entire season without a loss (14-0 in the regular season, 3-0 in the playoffs).

If Indy does pull off an undefeated season – and continues to win at their present clip – they will have become a far more impressive team than the 1972 Dolphins.

• Miami faced just two quality opponents (i.e., teams with winning records) all season.
• Indy has already faced five quality opponents and has two more on its schedule (Seattle and San Diego).
• Miami faced one of the easiest schedules in NFL history (opponents were a combined 70-122-4, .357).
• Indy has faced a slightly tougher schedule (opponents so far are a combined 69-100, .408).
• Miami outscored its opponents by 15.3 PPG.
• Indy outscores its opponents by 16.3 PPG.

In other words, if Indy does pull off an undefeated season, they’ll be the more dominant team and they'll have done it against better competition.