Championships: The Patriots were surprise Super Bowl winners following the 2001 season, a charmed campaign that featured a controversial “tuck” ruling in the snow that plowed them past Oakland in the first round plus narrow victories in the AFC title game and the Super Bowl, when they edged the explosive St. Louis Rams. It was no surprise, however, when the Pats cruised into last season’s Super Bowl, going 14-2 in the regular season before edging surprising Carolina in the Super Bowl, 32-29, on Adam Vinateri’s 41-yard field goal with 4 seconds left. They did it again Sunday, sealing their third Super Bowl victory in four years with a 24-21 victory over the Eagles.

Stars: These guys are, indeed, the Brady Bunch. Say what you will about the supremely talented front four and linebackers on a well-coached, resourceful defense, but it’s the quarterback who makes New England go. Brady’s big-time arm and craftiness in the pocket despite a lack of speed, give the Pats quick-strike capability. Brady is a solid 60-plus percent passer who has surpassed 3,400 yards for three straight seasons.

Choose a football dynasty below: Packers Steelers 49ers Cowboys Patriots Others

Supporting cast: That’s what makes Brady so impressive – the rest of his offense is not. The addition of power back Corey Dillon for 2004 has helped, but there wasn’t such a dominant runner in the two championship seasons. Nor was there a exceptional go-to receiver. The stars come out on defense for the Patriots. The linebackers – Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Ted Johnson and Willie McGinest – are the best in the league. DE Richard Seymour is a stud and Ty Law, when healthy is an elite CB. PK Vinateri is the game’s best big-game kicker and one of the best regardless of the circumstances.

Coach: Speaking of defensive excellence, many of the schemes come from Bill Belichick, a defensive guru if ever there was one. Belichick started young and is now in his 30^th season as an assistant or head coach, most among current NFL coaches. His defensive game plan from the Giants’ Super Bowl XXV victory over Buffalo, when Belichick was defensive coordinator, is on permanent display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Peak of power: It’s now! The Patriots, along with the Philadelphia Eagles, are considered the premier teams in their respective conferences, although the Patriots beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl to seal it. No one was surprised when the Patriots made it back-to-back Super Bowl crowns and three of the last four this season, such is the respect this team has earned.

How it ended: The run isn’t over yet and the Patriots are well fortified for success in the immediate future. This may be the closest thing we’ll see to a new dynasty in this age of salary-cap restrictions that usually prevent teams from staying together.

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