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.
16. Josh McDaniels
The Ringers Rank: No. 4
McDaniels has been with the Patriots off-and-on since 2001. He was in New England from 2001-2008, manning the play calling duties for one of the best offenses in NFL History.
Under McDaniels fabulous play calling in 2007, the Patriots had a 16-0 regular season record. Tom Brady broke the record for most touchdown passes in a season (50) and Randy Moss caught the most touchdowns in a season (23).
The whole team broke the record for the most points in a season, with 589.
"“He’s a gifted teacher, and he always had a unique knack to explain a role, which is very important insight for an offense,” former Patriots Heath Evans told The Ringer."
McDaniels then left in 2008 to achieve his head coaching aspirations. After struggling as a coach, he returned to his offensive coordinator duties in New England for the 2012 season.
Since his return, Tom Brady has played the best football of his career and the Patriots have added two more Super Bowl victories. He has also groomed what could be the next franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo.
McDaniels has also known whats best for his offense and when or how to ignite them. Like in the 2014 playoffs, his called double-pass shifted the momentum of the whole game.
"“He always had a great feel for what the team needed,” Evans says. “So much of it is just breathing life into your team at the right time."
15. Deion Branch
The Ringers Rank: Unranked
Deion Branch fills the hole left by Randy Moss on this list. Moss was arguably Brady’s best weapon he’s ever had but never won a championship in his time with New England. Also, he was he just here for three and one-half seasons.
Moss did dominate in those three and one-half seasons, but Branch provided quality receiver play for New England for several seasons.
Branch was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He stayed in New England until 2006, where he left to join Seattle. In those four seasons, Branch piled up over 200 catches, two Super-Bowl titles and one Super Bowl MVP.
"“It’s hard to really compare anybody to Branch,” Belichick said. “Branch had a rare quickness. I mean, what’d he run, like a three-seven short-shuttle? You just don’t see that. Deion was very, very quick and very smart.”"
After the Patriots dealt Moss in 2010, New England actually re-acquired Deion Branch from Seattle. In doing so, the offense immediately improved and they returned to the Super Bowl the next season.
14. Richard Seymour
The Ringer’s Rank: Unranked
The sixth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft was somehow left off The Ringers list. Seymour was arguably the most dominant Patriots defensive player during their early Super Bowl championship teams.
Seymour started 108 games during his eight seasons in Foxboro. During that time, Seymour earned five straight Pro Bowl nods and was selected to First Team All-Pro in three seasons.
Adam Vinatieri’s famous Snow Bowl kick was set up because of a tremendous play by Seymour. A third and inches stop by the rookie defensive end forced Oakland to punt the ball back to the Patriots. Vinatieri nailed the field goal later that drive.
Even though Belichick dealt Seymour after eight seasons with the club, he was the prototype defensive end for a Belichick defense. Seymour piled up over 40 sacks, 350 tackles and 20 pass deflection in his time here.
Along with being a three-time Super Bowl champion in ENw England, Seymour was elected to the Patriots 50th Anniversary Team and the Patriots All-2000’s Team. He was even elected to the NFL’s All-2000’s Team and deserves to be on the Top 16 list of important Patriots.
13. Rob Gronkowski
The Ringers Rank: 8
In just eight NFL seasons, Rob Gronkowski has already been mentioned as the greatest tight end in NFL history. When he’s on the field, Gronk is too big to match up against a corner and too fast to be guarded by a linebacker, a complete matchup nightmare.
Not only is Gronkowski a beast through the passing game, he’s one of the best run blocking tight ends in the NFL.
"“When Gronkowski is on the field for the Patriots, the offense is essentially playing with six offensive linemen,” Cian Fahey of Bleacher Report said. “Not only is he a massive body who can move comfortably in space, he also plays with excellent body control and leverage. He is not just a willing blocker, he relishes the opportunity to clear out running lanes.”"
Gronk has already shattered the production of old greats like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. His touchdown per game rate sits at 0.77, 0.23 above Gates. His 69.3 yards per game and 9.88 yards per target cannot be matched by any other tight end in NFL history.
"“I think the biggest thing is that [Gronk is] a smart player,” says former Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett. “Physicality only takes you so far. There are lot of other players who are just as physical and just as fast. You have to be able to outsmart those guys and know how to attack them.”"
Gronkowski has won two Super Bowls in his time in New England but was injured for the victory in Super Bowl LI. He also was a member of the losing team in 2011 but was playing on a bad ankle sprain. If he was healthy for that game, one has to think the outcome would have been different.
12. Willie McGinest
The Ringers Rank: 11
Robert Kraft’s “first son” according to Kraft. McGinest was Kraft’s first draft choice while owning the team, taking him fourth overall in 1994.
McGinest was one of the first Patriots to follow Belichick’s method of the the “Patriot Way”. He did what was asked of him and his production on the field skyrocketed. In five seasons under Belichick, McGinest racked up 38.5 sacks.
His postseason production was a large part of the victories in all three Super Bowls. During the first two Super Bowl runs, he collected a sack in every postseason game but one. McGinest owns the NFL record for most playoff sacks with 16 (11.5 coming under Belichick) and a single-game record with 4.5 in 2005.
"“Really competitive guy, tough, team-oriented,” Belichick said. “Winning was really important to him; winning more than personal stats. He took losing hard, which I think that’s a good thing, more than personal accomplishments. Great example for younger players. He had kind of that nice balance of being able to talk to a guy, but also you just watch him do it and that was a good example. It wasn’t really all one or the other.”"
11. Julian Edelman
The Ringers Rank: 9
Wes Welker was the first Patriot receiver to be featured in the slot. But as he moved on to Denver, Edelman has filled his role and has arguably played it even better than Welker.
Edelman’s quickness, toughness and competitiveness have made him the perfect fit for Brady and the offense. His 356 receptions since 2013 are fifth-most in the NFL.
One area where Edelman is undoubtedly better than Welker is in playoff production. In fact, Edelman is the greatest playoff receiver in Patriots history. Edelman currently ranks third all-time in playoff receptions (89) and should easily move pass Reggie Wayne (93) for second on the list.
Edelman has been the most consistent player on two USper Bowl championship teams. In Super Bowl XLIX, he caught nine balls for 109 yards and the eventual game-winning touchdown. This February in Super Bowl LI, he made one of the greatest coaches in NFL history to contribute to the epic comeback victory.
"“Julian’s a tough player,” Belichick said. “He competes well.”"
His contributions on special teams cannot go unnoticed. Before he took over for Welker in the slot, Edelman was one of the most feared returns in the game. His career 11.67 yards per punt return trails only the great Devin Hester (11.73) since 2000.
10. Mike Vrabel
The Ringers Rank: Unranked
Mike Vrabel anchored the Patriots left defensive end spot for several years and numerous Super Bowl titles. His 48 sacks under Belichick are the most of any Patriot in the Bill Belichick era.
Vrabel was the definition of consistency in his time in New England. In his eight seasons, he never recorded less than 50 tackles or 3.0 sacks. His 12.5 sacks in 2007 were a career high.
He also made an impact in the passing game. Vrabel was targeted eight times in his New England career, catching all eight for touchdowns. Two touchdowns came in Super Bowl victories which were decided by three points.
"“Mike was a great player who played in different systems,” Belichick said. “He played different positions. He played on offense, defense, special teams. He played tight end. He played linebacker. Honestly, he would play free safety in practice for us once or twice a year, especially when we were up against a guy like Ed Reed who really knew what he was going to do. Just say, ‘OK, sit back there and go with what you see. If you want to gamble, gamble.’"
When Vrabel was traded in 2009, Belichick like this linebacker so much he issued a statement.
"“Mike Vrabel epitomizes everything a coach could seek in a professional football player,” it read. “Toughness, intelligence, play-making, leadership, versatility and consistency at the highest level.”"
9. Dante Scarnecchia
The Ringers Rank: 6
Other than a short two-year retirement from 2013-2016, Dante Scarnecchia has been with the Patriots since 2000. Position coaches have come and gone, but Scar has been a constant.
Scarnecchia has long been in charge of coaching the group that protects Brady and has helped shape the careers of many young linemen. He turned Stephen Neal from a college wrestler into a key, seven-year starter. Shall Mason and Marcus Cannon also saw serious improvement in their game since Scarnecchia returned from retirement.
"“His attention to detail, that’s what separates him from other coaches,” former Patriots’ lineman Damien Woody says. “He doesn’t miss anything. Your hand placement, your feet, any little thing that’s not to where he wants it, it was just not acceptable.”"
8. Charlie Weis
The Ringers Rank: Unranked
The Ringer ranked Josh McDaniels at fourth on this list but left Charlie Weis off. While McDaniels has done a tremendous job carrying over and developing the Patriots offense, Weis was the man who brought it to New England.
When Weis came over from the New York Jets, he brought his Erhardt-Perkins offense with him. Not only did he develop McDaniels to coach it, he developed Brady to play in it. Weis struggled almost everywhere he went but won three rings with his offense in New England.
7. Troy Brown
The Ringers Rank: 5
Without Troy Brown, the Patriots wouldn’t have beat, or maybe face, the St Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. In that 2001 season, Brown posted career highs with 101 receptions for 1,199 yards. That season, Brown was responsible for 36 percent of the team’s passing yardage.
In the 2001 postseason, Brown piled up over 121 receiving yards and a punt return touchdown in the AFC Championship Game. Against the Rams in the Super Bowl, he accounted for 61.4 percent of the Patriots passing game.
Brown was also proof of the “Patriot Way” doing whatever it takes to win games. After injuries to the Patriots secondary in 2004, Brown became the team’s nickel corner. Brown played in 12 games while piling up 17 tackles and three interceptions.
Brown was with the Patriots for 15 NFL seasons and eventually named to the Patriots 50th Anniversary Team. In 2012, Brown was elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame beating out Bill Parcells and Fred Marion by fan vote.
6. Dont’a Hightower
The Ringer Rank: 10
Hightower has only been in New England since 2012, but the organization could look a lot different without him.
Cut to 1:03 remaining in Super Bowl XLIX. The Seahawks faced a first-and-goal after an amazing catch by Jermaine Kearse and appear to be ready to punch in the game-winning touchdown.
The Seahawks handed it off to their bulldozing running back, Marshawn Lynch, who was ready to walk into the end zone. Instead, Hightower sheds lineman Russell Okung and takes down the 215 pound Lynch down with one arm. The very next play, Malcolm Butler intercepts the pass to clinch a Super Bowl victory.
Back in February, New England finally cut into the Falcons lead and now trail by 16 points with 8:31 left in the game. Smelling momentum, Hightower quickly got to Matt Ryan as he was throwing the ball, causing a fumble that Alan Branch recovered.
After the recovery, Brady found Amendola for another score which helped propel the Patriots to one of the greatest comebacks in NFL and sports history. Without Hightower, the Patriots could very well still have just three Super Bowls.
5. Ty Law
The Ringers Rank: 14
Ranking Ty Law at 14 should be a slap in the face to Ty Law. Law is certainly in the discussion as the best player on the Patriots team for their first three Super Bowls.
After taking law in the first-round in 1995, he made four Pro Bowls and was elected to two-time first-team All-Pro nods in his 10 years with the Patriots. In those ten years, Law hauled in36 interceptions, tied for the most in franchise history.
In the 2001 Super Bowl, Law picked off Kurt Warner and took it all the way for a score. The Pick-6 was the first points of the game and one of just two touchdowns the Patriots scored.
Law also was one of Peyton Manning’s kryptonite. In the 2003 AFC Championship Game, Law intercepted Manning three times en route to a 24-14 victory.
It always appears Belichick’s defense has one standout cornerback, and Law was the first player to be Belichick’s ball hawker.
4. Adam Vinatieri
The Ringers Rank: 3
Through his time in New England Vinatieri proved to be the most clutch kicker in NFL History. The Patriots are three or four field kicks away from not having any of their first three Super Bowl titles.
In 2001, Vinatieri nailed one of the greatest kicks ever in a heavy snow against Oakland. The 45-yard boot tied the game and eventually, the Patriots went on to win in overtime. Later that postseason, Vinatieri nailed the game-winning field goal in Super Bowl XXXVI as time expired.
The Patriots went on to win two more Super Bowls in Vinatieri’s days, both by three points. Vinatieri kicked the game-winning 41-yarder with nine seconds left against Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
"“[After that kick] the franchise took a turn … from an ‘eh, whatever’ team to where they are now,” Vinatieri says. “There a lot of little moments in your life that can transform the rest of your life. I try not to think about what happens if I miss that thing.”"
After signing with New England as an undrafted free agent, Vinatieri suited up for 160 games in a Patriots uniform. He made 154 of 185 field goals and 227 of 230 extra point attempts under Belichick.
3. Robert Kraft
The Ringers Rank: 7
When Robert Kraft bought the Patriots, the dynasty was being created. When Kraft decided to trade there draft picks in 2000 to trade for Coach Belichick, the dynasty was in full effect.
Without Kraft, there is no Belichick or any other player or coach on this list. In fact, there might not even be football in New England.
While owning Foxboro Stadium, Kraft rejected a $75 million offer to buy out the lease of the Patriots which would have allowed the franchise to relocate. He then paid a record $175 million to buy the Patriots and keep them in the Boston area.
Fast forward to today, the Patriots have five Super Bowl championships and are valued at $2.6 billion according to Forbes, the second highest in the NFL.
Kraft has allowed for the Patriots to be the cream of the crop in the NFL, and he would be number one on the list if it wasn’t for his coach and quarterback.
2. Tom Brady
The Ringers Rank: 2
Since 2000, the Patriots offense has featured new lineman and new weapons all over the field. But one constant has been the same- quarterback Tom Brady.
After being chosen 199 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady has thrown for over 60,000 yards and 450 touchdowns. Match that with five Super Bowls and four Super Bowl MVPs, he is undoubtedly the greatest quarterback of all-time.
Brady, who enters his 18th season at age 40, has been playing some of his best football yet. He has made it known he wants to play five more seasons and could break almost every major quarterback record that he doesn’t already hold.
Anytime Brady and the Patriots take the field, they cannot be counted out. Just look at Super Bowl LI, where Brady lead a 25-point comeback with just over 17 minutes remaining.
With Brady under center, the Patriots will be in the Super Bowl and are favored this season.
1. Bill Belichick
The Ringers Rank: 1
Belichick, the greatest coach of all-time, has been the other content of the Patriots dynasty. During his tenure, New England has won five Super Bowls, 14 AFC East titles and have won less than 10 games just once.
In a salary cap era, teams should not be dominant for 17 years straight. As a coach and GM, Belichick has always done a great job of fielding a competitive team and finding ways to make them succeed.
His mind is unlike any others in the game. He is prepared for anything and everything, part of his weekly game planning for every opponent.
"“Coach Belichick is the best coach that I’ve ever competed against and I think it’s safe to say he’ll go down as the greatest NFL coach of all time,” Peyton Manning said. “The teams that he has coached that I’ve competed against have always been well coached, always been prepared, always played hard for 60 minutes — I think that’s a couple things that stood out about the teams he’s coached.”"
Much like Brady, if the Patriots have Belichick on the sideline, they have a chance to win every game as a result. Last season, Belichick and the Patriots went 3-1 when Tom Brady was suspended.
While many people view Belichick as stuck-up based on his media appearances, but he is the exact opposite. Players like him just as much as he likes winning.
Next: 10 Greatest Quarterbacks In Patriots Franchise History
"“People consider the man arrogant,” Evans says. “He’s anything but. [He has] that ability to allow himself to fail, the trial-and-error process of, ‘Hey, listen, we think this will work.’ And if the players do X, Y, and Z, it probably will.”"