Ranking each decade’s best dynasty

2000s New England Patriots

The first major dynasty of the 21st century, the New England Patriots dynasty has existed for roughly 15 years. It started back in 2001 when they won the first Super Bowl. Their dynasty, though tainted by some, led to three Super Bowl victories (2001, 2003, 2004) and seven playoff appearances in nine years from 2001 to 2010 during the first decade of the 21st century. They have since added an additional Super Bowl win.

New England has had their dynasty led by quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. Like many NFL teams, the Patriots have been forced to shuffle their deck consistently, with role players going in and out. The two consistent parts have always been Brady and Belichick. When Brady has been healthy, the Patriots have always been a playoff team except in 2002.

Their legacy is very much up in the air because of allegations of cheating. The stench of Spygate and some suspicious tapes that were destroyed by the NFL still surround the Patriots to this day. Belichick is the kind of coach who would do anything to win games and perhaps it has tarnished his legacy a bit. But at the end of the day, Belichick and Brady win. Isn’t that the job of athletes? To entertain and to win? The Patriots were excellent at both in the early 21st century and they still are to this day.

Honorable Mentions: San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Red Wings

Next: 2010-Present San Francisco Giants