When it comes to football, New England is all about the Patriots. However, there is another professional football team in town that is winning games these days. The Massachusetts Pirates.

The Pirates have flown under the radar when it comes to the Boston sports scene but if you don’t follow the team, you really are missing out.

Massachusetts is 6-3 on the season after last week’s 43-38 home win over the Bismarck Bucks. As it stands, the Pirates are currently fourth in the IFL standings and in prime position to make the playoffs. The Pirates will host the Arizona Rattlers this week in a game that has major playoff implications.

When it comes to the Pirates, there are some familiar names involved with Patriots and NFL. Former Patriots running back and three time Super Bowl winner Patrick Pass is the team’s head coach. Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver is on the roster as well. Williams might not be as familiar to local fans but Pass is.

Pass and offensive coordinator Bones Bagnaute have orchestrated one of the most explosive offenses in the league led by quarterback Alejandro Bennifield and wide receiver Thomas Owens. Bennifield is a dual threat quarterback who can impact games both as a runner and as a passer. Owens has been one of the best receivers in the IFL this season catching 15 touchdown passes.

The Pirates defense has also been pretty good as well. Playing defense in Arena Football is hard but the Pirates under defensive coordinator Rayshaun Kizer have done a great job limiting opponents ability to make plays thanks to a ferocious pass rush and timely playmaking from their secondary.

New England has had its fair share of arena football teams in the past. From the Steamrollets to the Surge to the Seawolves, the region has gotten its taste of arena football.

The Pirates are different however. They are well run organization and the team is competitive. It is a good brand of football. A brand New England can get behind.