By Zack Cimini

The odds were against New England all season long, even though they were the team that has proven themselves countless times. Yet, all the talk was on Peyton Manning and rookie Ben Roethlisberger. The funny thing about the whole situation is those were the two teams that New England bounced out of the playoffs on the way to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles. For whatever reason New England just knows how to win games no matter the situation or circumstances. It is why the term dynasty is irrefutable and a closed case in NFL history. In fact, in all likelihood this is the last team that will achieve this success and in many ages from now will be looked at as the best team ever.

The number three is a distinguished label for the Patriots. They won their third Super Bowl, by the same margin of three points, and was a grand finale for two of their three masterful coaches. After Donovan McNabb threw the game clinching interception to Rodney Harrison, the best moment in recent sports history was captured in a relatively brief sequence. When Bill Belicheck, Romeo Crennel, and Charlie Weis embraced each other in a group hug it was a gratifying moment in which all realized their journey was over. It was ala a high school senior class on graduation day. Everyone is hugging each other and knows that this is their last time with each other. Matters to better your life just lead to different avenues in life. Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weiss executed game plan to game plan with perfection and will be deeply missed by the Patriots.

Bill Belicheck is still a Patriot though at least until 2006 when his contract expires. He already has solidified himself as one of the best coaches in NFL history, by surpassing Vince Lombardi?s playoff winning percentage. What makes Belicheck spectacular is how he knows every aspect of the game from memorization. Not too many NFL coaches can roam the sideline and dictate what plays to run without their clipboard and notes in front of them. He knows exactly when to call a screen play and is always enough to throw the defense off and keep them on their heels of the unexpected.

As for Tom Brady what can you say? No one wants to name him the best quarterback in football, but he has won three Super Bowls in five years in the league. He could fade off as a nobody in the next years and that still wouldn?t tarnish his respect. He?ll always have three rings that nobody can take away from him. His poise is unattested and is what set him apart from McNabb on Sunday. Often McNabb looked puzzled and distraught on the field. With five minutes to go and down by ten, he had the offense in a stagnant manner. They were moving like they were the team up by ten and trying to run the clock out.

If the Eagles would have scored even two minutes earlier, they would have had a high percentage of a chance to drive for a game tying field goal. Instead they scored with under two minutes to go with only two timeouts, and had no choice but to try on onside kick. The Patriots recovered, and with field position on their side had no worries of getting a first down. If Bill Belicheck was in that situation you can bet he would have been ready.

Of course it helps when you?re surrounded by talented receivers. David Givens caught a touchdown for the fifth straight playoff game, and Deion Branch tore up the Eagles Pro Bowl secondary. On the other hand McNabb?s best wide receiver was Terrell Owens who was playing his heart out on one leg. He did a fabulous job, but you?d expect a receiver at full strength like Freddie Mitchell to step up. It goes to show not to run your mouth until you back it up. Todd Pinkston and Greg Lewis did great jobs, but most of their yards came on one big play each.

All dynasties have to eventually come to an end. Still, most of the Patriots team will remain intact, and don?t forget New England?s defense survived this season without a lot of big time defensive players. The offense isn?t going anywhere, so with a healthy defense this team could be even better next season.