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Late last week ESPN went through the last decade in the NFL and compiled lists of the best players, teams and moments. To no surprise, the Patriots make their way to the top in many ways.

The last decade was a memorable one by far for football as some of the greatest players of all time laced up and were ready for game time. Records were broken for what seems like every major accomplishments, both individual and team. However, with all the great teams that competed over the decade, there was only one dynasty.

The Patriots easily made it to the top of the all decade power rankings. When looking at the facts, it’s hard to argue the Patriots accomplishments. Four Superbowl appearances, three wins, more playoff wins then any other team, the highest regular season win percentage, and a perfect regular season to top it off. Some could argue the Steelers two Superbowl wins as puts them in the same category, or the Eagles’ four straight trips to the NFC Championship game as impressive, but when you think of consistency, the Pats have a decisive edge.

Could you imagine the past decade without Tom Brady? He easily received the All-Decade MVP award over qualified candidates such as Peyton Manning and LaDainian Tomlinson. Since coming off the bench in 2001, Brady has done it all. Three time Superbowl winner, two time Super Bowl MVP, a ridiculous touchdown pass spree during that undefeated season, Gisele and an episode of Family Guy, the man has done it all. In a game that remembers champions, Brady has joined the greats and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer.

For the top 25 of the Decade, Brady (1) was joined by teammates Randy Moss (14) and Richard Seymour (20). For Seymour, he is one of the most feared defensive ends in the game and is in good company with fellow ends Michael Strathan and Jason Taylor. For Moss, he was a stud in Minnesota before a lackluster period in Oakland. His renaissance in New England was spectacular. During that great undefeated regular season he broke the regular season touchdown record for a wide receiver with 22. To think, it only cost the Pats a fourth round pick for him.

Of course there is a player on one list that Pats fans will be forever in debt to. For Adam Vinatieri, the hopes and dreams of many fans rested on his foot. A real prime time player, memories have been etched from his Superbowl winning kicks, but more impressive was the “tuck rule” game against the Raiders. With the snow pounding, Raiders Nation still burning about the fumble, or forward pass depends who you ask, his kick through the driving snow storm was a sign of things to come. For all the efforts he put in with New England, he can be forgiven for the move to the Colts.

While other personnel were mentioned, such as Scott Pioli being named personnel man of the decade and, without Bill Belichick, who knows what this last decade would have looked like for New Englanders. Having complete control over football operations, he built a team that marched through the past decade and has the trophies to prove it. The hoodie wearing coach made the list in a negative way too, with with the Spygate incident coming in first for scandals, beating Michael Vick’s dogfighting scandal. Belichick’s impact on the team can’t be ignored and with a group of great head coaches in the past decade he is clearly in a league of his own.

The Patriots snagged yet another award: Owner of the Decade for Robert Kraft. The ESPN crew handed a “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Steelers Owner Dan Rooney. Rooney is always mentioned as a nice guy and consummate professional, and was named Ambassador to Ireland, so that does give a little extra leverage.

Now, not every list was good for Pats fans. For the play of the decade, it’s hard to stomach the David Tyree helmet catch in Superbowl XLII. Sure it was impressive, but there are plenty of fans who wouldn’t mind seeing the ball dropped.

No member of the Pats made the list for best defensive players, but that shouldn’t be a shock to anyone. Individuals never overshadowed the group. New England spent the past nine years with a team-first mentality. Walking out to the field during Superbowl XXXVI, they proudly entered as a team. Supposedly troubled players such as Corey Dillon and Randy Moss changed their image and adapted to the Belichick style and results were clear. Three Superbowls in four years, constantly atop their division, and a slew of players and coaches who changed the game over the past decade.

And always remember, there is still one more year to go.

About Teddy

Was born in Queens, NY, but moved up to New Hampshire around 12, when my interest in sports really began to boom. A huge fan of the Boston sports scene, especially the Sox, Celts, Bruins and Pats. Went to Keene State College where I majored in Journalism and went around covering the college teams. Not just a bandwagon fan... i tend to follow everything from the Draft to Championships. Love to write and look forward to bringing a fun, interesting style... hopefully...

Tags: Patriots, Randy Moss, Tom Brady