Evaluation of the Best and Weakest New England Patriots Super Bowl Teams
The New England Patriots have achieved six Super Bowl victories, each providing a unique blend of talent and focus. This article evaluates the teams from 2001 to 2018, using statistics and historical context to assess which was the best and which was the weakest. Statistical measures like Simple Rating System (SRS) and other performance indicators offer valuable insights.
Statistical Overview
SRS (Simple Rating System) is a statistical measure used to assess the overall performance of NFL teams, factoring in both point differential and the strength of the schedule faced. Although imperfect, SRS provides a more balanced view than raw win-loss records or statistical averages alone. Below, we present the SRS ratings alongside other key performance metrics for each of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning seasons.
SeasonSRS Rating1st Team All ProPro Bowl PlayersPoints ForPoints Against 20014.33 (7th in league)0423.2/g (6th in NFL)17.0/g (6th in NFL) 20036.94 (4th in league)3321.8/g (12th in NFL)14.9/g (1st in NFL) 200412.84 (1st in league)1427.3/g (4th in NFL)16.3/g (2nd in NFL) 201410.95 (1st in league)2329.3/g (4th in NFL)19.6/g (8th in NFL) 20169.29 (1st in league)0327.6/g (3rd in NFL)15.6/g (1st in NFL) 20185.18 (8th in league)1227.3/g (4th in NFL)20.3/g (7th in NFL)Weakest Team: 2001 Patriots
While the 2001 team had a respectable SRS rating (4.33), placing 7th in the league, it is evident from the statistical data provided that it was the weakest team among the six Super Bowl-winning squads. The team boasted only one Pro Bowl selection, and the "top-heavy" defense featured players such as Antowain Smith, Troy Brown, Bobby Hamilton, Anthony Pleasant, and Ty Law, who individually were strong but not a cohesive unit. The narrow margins in point differential and schedule strength suggested that this team had its fair share of flaws. Despite their success, the team did not maintain consistency in both offensive and defensive performances.
Best Team: 2016 Patriots
The 2016 Patriots are considered the best team among the six Super Bowl-winning teams. With a record-breaking 1st Place SRS rating (9.29), a strong roster filled with three Pro Bowl players, and a potent combination of offensive depth and defensive strength, this team stands out. Let's break down the key factors:
Offensive Line
The 2016 Patriots boasted one of the best offensive lines in the league, which opened up opportunities for their key players. Even with the notable absence of Chris Hogan, the team still managed to score 27.6 points per game, demonstrating their offensive resilience. The tight end positions were also formidable, with Rob Gronkowski and Marcellus Bennett providing a powerful presence in the passing game.
Defense
Defensively, the 2016 team was unparalleled. With stars like Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Malcolm Butler, and Ròn Ninjovich, the defense was a formidable obstacle. The addition of jam-packed safety Patrick Chung, along with the continuation of flamboyant cornerback Malcolm Butler, allowed the defense to maintain high levels of performance. Safety Dont’a Hightower, linebacker Jamie Collins, and defensive end Chris Long rounded out an elite defensive unit, further enhancing the team's overall effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the New England Patriots have consistently produced championship-caliber teams, the 2016 Patriots emerge as the most complete and strongest team. The 2001 Patriots, despite their individual talents, were marked by a lack of team consistency and strong overall team chemistry. Conversely, the 2016 Patriots demonstrated a well-rounded performance on both sides of the ball, solidifying their place as the logic leader in this discussion.