New England Patriots Posters
The New England Patriots football team dominated the early 2000s winning three of the first five Super Bowls of the decade. So how did they become such a dominate football team? Before going into detail on that, let’s take a look back at their history.
The History of New England Patriots Football
In their early years they were called the Boston Patriots and changed their name to the New England Patriots after moving to Foxborough, Massachusetts in 1971. They were an original member of the old AFL and joined the NFL after the merger of the two leagues (AFL-NFL) in 1970.
You can purchase New England Patriots Posters right here; New England Patriots Posters
After the Patriots joined the NFL in 1970 they experienced moderate success. The franchise made four playoff appearances before appearing in the 1986 Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears. The Bears beat the Patriots 46-10. The Patriots also made an appearance in the 1997 Super Bowl versus the Green Bay Packers. The Packers were victorious in that one 35-21. Their fortunes changed though when they hired Bill Belichick in the year 2000.
From the year 2001 to 2005 the Patriots won three Super Bowls in four years. The only other team to accomplish that feat was the Dallas Cowboys. The Patriots made it back to the 2007 Super Bowl against the New York Giants. They lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl after finishing the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record.
So why do you think the New England Patriots football franchise became one of the best in the history of the NFL since 2001? Was it because of the hiring of Bill Belichick in 2000? Or when current owner Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994?
I would have to say that it is a combination of both Bill Belichick as head coach and Robert Kraft as the owner. Obviously between these two men they have formulated a blueprint for success. But, that being said, since Robert Kraft bought the franchise in 1994, the franchise has made five Super Bowl appearances.
So eventhough coach Belichick has obviously played a major role in the Patriots success to this point. I believe that ownership under the leadership of Robert Kraft has implemented a system, similar to that of what the Rooney family has done in Pittsburgh. And that is develop system — ownership, management, scouts, players — so that regardless of who is the coach, they will have the resources to be a consistent winner.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can just stick anyone in there as the head coach. Because eventhough the Rooney family have implemented a great system in Pittsburgh that helps their coaching staff be successful. They have also hired some great head coaches through the years; Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and now Mike Tomlin.
And if Robert Kraft back in 2000 would have for example hired Norv Turner instead Bill Belichick as the New England Patriots football coach would the results have been the same? Would the Patriots have won three Super Bowls in four years with Norv Turner as the head coach?
That is a rhetorical question because unequivocally that would never have happened. Now, this is not meant to be an indictment against Norv Turner – he is a very functional NFL head coach. Although some may argue that he is better suited as a position coach (coordinator) than that of a head coach. But it is just that Bill Belichick is a far superior head coach compared to other NFL head coaches.
So the bottom line and the point I am making is that the teams in the NFL who are successful – New England Patriots football team, the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts – Are successful because they have implemented a great system – a formula for success – that produces consistent winning football… season after season!
Return to New England Patriots Posters