Monday, February 07, 2005

With their 24-21 win over the Eagles, the Patriots have become the NFL's team of the decade, after beating Carolina last year and St. Louis after the 2001 season.

New England is the second team to win three Super Bowls in four seasons (Dallas won in 1992, 1993 and 1995).

New England (34-4) set an NFL record for wins in a two-season span, surpassing Denver, which went 33-6 in 1997-98.

New England tied Green Bay of the 1960s for the longest playoff winning streak in NFL history (nine). The Packers won nine straight from 1961 to '67.

New England coach Bill Belichick improved to 10-1 (.909) in the postseason, moving ahead of Vince Lombardi (9-1, .900).

They're a dynasty. A special one. "I have such a special feeling for this team," Belichick said afterward. "I can't think of three tougher teams than [the Colts, the Steelers and the Eagles]. It was a tough year, but our players stood up to the competition ... They beat all comers."