New England Patriots: 16 most important Patriots during their dynasty
By Brian Hines
Who are the 16 most important New England Patriots from their dynasty? We take a crack at listing them.
Recently on The Ringer, they released an article Ranking the 16 Most Important People in the Patriots’ dynasty. Obviously, the list is topped by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but 3-through-16 was fair game.
However, the players and coaches who filled spots 3-through-16 included some huge question marks. Many argued that owner Robert Kraft should be higher and that players like Randy Moss shouldn’t make the list.
One non-Patriot player makes the list and that is former New York Jets linebacker, Mo Lewis. Lewis ranks 16th for the sole fact that he delivered the crushing blow on former quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
Bledsoe ended up leaving the game with a concussion and internal bleeding. The injury happened just six months after Bledsoe was handed a $103 million contract, the richest deal in NFL History at that time.
The injury allowed for sixth-round pick Tom Brady to take over as the starting quarterback and the rest is history.
Before I reveal my top 16 list, a few honorable mentions must be named. Vince Wilfork, Devin McCourty and Tedy Bruschi barely missed the top 16 on the defensive side of the ball. As for the offense, receivers Wes Welker and Randy Moss missed the cut.
You can find The Ringers ranking of the Top 16 Patriots’ here.