Not to put a damper on the Pats parade or anything but...
I guess I'm in the minority when I say I don't think the Pats can be considered a dynasty yet.
Don't get me wrong.... They are a great team, and if they continue on this way, then they can become a dynasty.
But think about it.... What if the Pats doen't make it to the playoffs for the rest of the decade? Not that I see that happening, but its a possibility. Would the Pats still be considered a dynasty for making it the playoffs 3 times in 10 years and winning 3 SBs. That's a dynasty? I think not.
The Niners not only won 4 SBs, but they made it to the playoffs all but 80 and 82.
The Steelers won 4 SBs and made the playoffs every year but 70 & 71.
The Boys - 3 SB wins and made the playoffs every year except 90 & 97.
Even if we say the Pats "dynasty" began with the 96 season, the Pats have missed the playoffs 3 times since then, with at least a season or 2 to complete the "decade". And if we start the "dynasty" with the 2001 season, to say that the Pats are the first dynasty of the 21st century, then there are still at least 4 or 5 seasons yet to include in that.
The Pats are making a strong case for being the next dynasty, but in my opinion they're just not there yet. If they can make it to the playoffs for the rest of the decade then they will be, without a doubt, a dynasty.
And I know I'll probably get slammed for my opinion, but hey, it wouldn't be the first time. :shrug: