Super Bowl XVII

I know it's been a little while, but I just had to write about this past season, Super Bowl 42, and the Patriots in general.  First of all I have to say that despite the fact that the Patriots lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl, this team easily has to go down as one of the 3 best teams of all-time.  What they were able to accomplish in the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs has never been done before, and the fashion in which they dismantled their opponents has also never been done before.  The 1972 Dolphins went undefeated.  We all know that.  We have heard about that constantly every time a team gets even close to double digit wins without a blemish.  But I looked at that season in depth, and while yes it was absolutely a phenomenal accomplishment, their schedule was average at best, they played a lot of close games, and they didn't have to go through 3 rounds of the playoffs.  There is no question in my mind that the New England Patriots going 16-0 in the regular season in this era of football is more impressive than the run of the 1972 Dolphins.  They broke every conceivable record on the offensive side of the ball.  Their defense was ranked in the Top 10 in several different categories, including 4th in Overall Defense.  Before the season started the big question was how well would Randy Moss fit into this team.  This team that has been at the pinnacle of success and sportsmanship for the bett... [More]