Founded in 1960 as a member of the
AFL and calling themselves the
Boston Patriots until 1970, the Patriots were initially a mediocore team. Made the playoffs just twice in the 1970s and 3 times in the 1980s. However, 1985 featured a miraculous run in which they made the Super
Bowl (as a wild card) after winning 3 straight road playoff games. However, they were crushed by the Bears in the title game (the Steelers became the first team to win a Super
Bowl after 3 straight road playoff victories this year). Became a decent franchise in the 1990s with eccentric
coach Bill Parcells and quarterback
Drew Bledsoe with 4 playoff berths and a loss in the Super Bowl in 1996. Established a dynasty in recent years with Tom
Brady, a former 6th round draft pick, as a superstar quarterback. Have made the playoffs 4 times in the last 5 years, included 3 Super
Bowl wins. Won their 3 titles by a combined 9 points- Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII on last second Adam Vinatieri field goals and Super Bowl XXXIX after holding off an Eagles comeback.
"And with 3 seconds
left, Adam Vinatieri sets up in a tie game, trying to win the Super
Bowl for New England. That kick is on the way, it's long enough and good! The New England Patriots have shocked the Rams and have won the Super
Bowl."