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New Article: Top 30 Plays - The Dynasty Years
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For those who don't want to click on the articles. YouTube links for each play are included over there.
It's time to reminisce about the Patriots dynasty years. LordsOfRings.com presents the 30 most memorable regular season plays of the dynasty years (2001 – 2019). Feel free to leave comments with your agreements, disagreements, and misses.
I tried to stick to a single play, but a couple entries have two plays combined into one memorable moment. What defines “memorable” is obviously up for debate. Let the countdown begin…
#30 – Brady TD to Brandin Cooks vs. Houston Texans (2017)
I remember thinking that it was going to be a long season as the defense looked anemic against the Houston offense. The 25 yard TD pass from Brady with 0:23 left in the game is one of the most amazingly well placed throw I have ever seen.
#29 – Moss catches two TD bombs vs Miami (2007)
What a fun regular season that was. So many games looked like a Varsity team playing the JV squad. These two TD’s signify this perfectly. I recall just laughing at these plays. It was ridiculous. I believe the announcers were also laughing at the ridiculousness of what they were witnessing.
#28 – Gronk tosses Sergio Brown out of the club (2014)
Can you imagine Travis Swift-Kelce having a blocking play as epic as this? Hell, can you imagine Mr. Swift even blocking? This play showed off Gronk’s dominance as a TE. The fact that it embarrassed a crybaby team like the Colts just made it sweeter.
#27 – Brady jukes Urlacher (2006)
The season ended in disappointment, but has a QB ever done more with less? Brady’s weapons this season were atrocious. He still dragged the team to within a play of the Super Bowl. Running for a first down while evading one of the league’s premier LB’s was a fitting symbol of Brady’s will to do whatever it took in 2006.
#26 – Edelman 77yd TD vs Miami. Michael Floyd Kills a Guy (2017)
This TD allowed the Patriots to pull away in a Week 17 game important for playoff seeding. Brady to Edelman! Yet, the epic moment of the play was Floyd’s blind side block to spring Edelman. It was brutal.
#25 – Gronk TD vs Colts. Edelman Block (2014)
This was the same game as the Sergio Brown incident. Gronk just swatted defenders away like they were gnats. Edelman delivered a not-quite blindside block not nearly as vicious as Floyd’s. And the Colts were being embarrassed again. Cris Collinsworth’s orgasmic laugh as Gronk dove into the endzone added to the fun.
#24 – David Patten TD vs Bears (2002)
What a clutch TD pass and catch with 0:21 left in the game. I have no idea how Patten got two feet down. In what was a disappointing follow up to the miracle of 2001, this comeback win gave us some hope in Week 10. Had 2002 been a SB season, this play would have been much higher. Amazing play in a forgotten season.
#23 – Intentional Safety/TD to Givens vs Denver (2003)
They pulled this win out of their asses in Week 9, and it quickly became apparent that 2002 was the anomaly NOT 2001. I still remember Givens catching the 20 yard TD with 0:30 left to play wondering how they won this game. In Denver! This win helped propel the dynasty.
#22 – Dan Connolly KO return vs Packers (2010)
The absurdity of the fat, white OL returning a KO 71 yards was hilarious. But this was also a play the team desperately needed. Heading to the 2 minute warning in the first half, the team was playing uninspired ball and trailing 17-7. The return allowed the Patriots to score and go into the half with momentum. Connolly came so close to getting to the endzone. Had he scored? This may be a top 10 play.
#21 – Randy Moss TD over Revis (2009)
What an amazing one-handed catch by Moss. Watching Revis grab his hamstring sure seemed like a bull shit ploy to explain getting beat. Rex looked pissed too. That was always nice to see.
#20 – Wilfork de-cleats Donald Jones of Buffalo
This is a relatively unimportant play as the Patriots were leading by 14 in the 4th quarter. For some reason, this is the play I think of when Wilfork’s name comes up. A screen pass to a little RB in the middle of the field was bad news with Vince around.
#19 – Ben Roethlisberger INT into endzone (2017)
Just as Brady and Gronk appeared to have completed an epic TD drive to win the game, the Steelers got to the Pats 5 yard line on a fluke play. 3rd and goal, Ben tries a fake spike and promptly throws the ball into traffic in the endzone…right into Duron Harmon’s arms with 5 seconds left. What a glorious way to end that game!
#18 – Gronk Dominates Steelers (2017)
Yes, the aforementioned drive of the same game above. Two plays from Gronk are equally memorable. The first demonstrated why Gronk was THE elite pass catching TE. Under pressure, Brady threw the ball low. Gronk picked the ball out of the air just before it could hit the turf. A big man should not be able to make that catch. On the ensuing 2 point conversion, Gronk badly faked the defender and pointed at him laughing before spiking the ball. I would absolutely despise Gronk if he did that against my team.
#17 – Larry Izzo INT vs Buffalo (2003)
Remember the first game of that season? A 31-0 loss to Buffalo. They hate their coach. Perfect synchronicity as the Patriots were leading 31-0. The Bills drove the ball to the Pats 5 yard line with seconds remaining. Why is this INT memorable? Just watch the celebration on the field by the entire defense. The home crowd went nuts. This momentum continued through the Super Bowl. No clips of the play alone. Just forward to the last play of this full game tape and enjoy the moment!
#16 – Rex Ryan calls a Timeout / Gaffney TD (2007)
The perfect regular season ended up having a couple close calls as the season went on. None were closer than this. The game had been lost a few plays before the TD. However, Baltimore D Coordinator had called a timeout just before the snap. Classic! The TD to Gaffney with under 40 seconds shut up the rowdy Baltimore crowd and kept the perfect season alive.
It's time to reminisce about the Patriots dynasty years. LordsOfRings.com presents the 30 most memorable regular season plays of the dynasty years (2001 – 2019). Feel free to leave comments with your agreements, disagreements, and misses.
I tried to stick to a single play, but a couple entries have two plays combined into one memorable moment. What defines “memorable” is obviously up for debate. Let the countdown begin…
#30 – Brady TD to Brandin Cooks vs. Houston Texans (2017)
I remember thinking that it was going to be a long season as the defense looked anemic against the Houston offense. The 25 yard TD pass from Brady with 0:23 left in the game is one of the most amazingly well placed throw I have ever seen.
#29 – Moss catches two TD bombs vs Miami (2007)
What a fun regular season that was. So many games looked like a Varsity team playing the JV squad. These two TD’s signify this perfectly. I recall just laughing at these plays. It was ridiculous. I believe the announcers were also laughing at the ridiculousness of what they were witnessing.
#28 – Gronk tosses Sergio Brown out of the club (2014)
Can you imagine Travis Swift-Kelce having a blocking play as epic as this? Hell, can you imagine Mr. Swift even blocking? This play showed off Gronk’s dominance as a TE. The fact that it embarrassed a crybaby team like the Colts just made it sweeter.
#27 – Brady jukes Urlacher (2006)
The season ended in disappointment, but has a QB ever done more with less? Brady’s weapons this season were atrocious. He still dragged the team to within a play of the Super Bowl. Running for a first down while evading one of the league’s premier LB’s was a fitting symbol of Brady’s will to do whatever it took in 2006.
#26 – Edelman 77yd TD vs Miami. Michael Floyd Kills a Guy (2017)
This TD allowed the Patriots to pull away in a Week 17 game important for playoff seeding. Brady to Edelman! Yet, the epic moment of the play was Floyd’s blind side block to spring Edelman. It was brutal.
#25 – Gronk TD vs Colts. Edelman Block (2014)
This was the same game as the Sergio Brown incident. Gronk just swatted defenders away like they were gnats. Edelman delivered a not-quite blindside block not nearly as vicious as Floyd’s. And the Colts were being embarrassed again. Cris Collinsworth’s orgasmic laugh as Gronk dove into the endzone added to the fun.
#24 – David Patten TD vs Bears (2002)
What a clutch TD pass and catch with 0:21 left in the game. I have no idea how Patten got two feet down. In what was a disappointing follow up to the miracle of 2001, this comeback win gave us some hope in Week 10. Had 2002 been a SB season, this play would have been much higher. Amazing play in a forgotten season.
#23 – Intentional Safety/TD to Givens vs Denver (2003)
They pulled this win out of their asses in Week 9, and it quickly became apparent that 2002 was the anomaly NOT 2001. I still remember Givens catching the 20 yard TD with 0:30 left to play wondering how they won this game. In Denver! This win helped propel the dynasty.
#22 – Dan Connolly KO return vs Packers (2010)
The absurdity of the fat, white OL returning a KO 71 yards was hilarious. But this was also a play the team desperately needed. Heading to the 2 minute warning in the first half, the team was playing uninspired ball and trailing 17-7. The return allowed the Patriots to score and go into the half with momentum. Connolly came so close to getting to the endzone. Had he scored? This may be a top 10 play.
#21 – Randy Moss TD over Revis (2009)
What an amazing one-handed catch by Moss. Watching Revis grab his hamstring sure seemed like a bull shit ploy to explain getting beat. Rex looked pissed too. That was always nice to see.
#20 – Wilfork de-cleats Donald Jones of Buffalo
This is a relatively unimportant play as the Patriots were leading by 14 in the 4th quarter. For some reason, this is the play I think of when Wilfork’s name comes up. A screen pass to a little RB in the middle of the field was bad news with Vince around.
#19 – Ben Roethlisberger INT into endzone (2017)
Just as Brady and Gronk appeared to have completed an epic TD drive to win the game, the Steelers got to the Pats 5 yard line on a fluke play. 3rd and goal, Ben tries a fake spike and promptly throws the ball into traffic in the endzone…right into Duron Harmon’s arms with 5 seconds left. What a glorious way to end that game!
#18 – Gronk Dominates Steelers (2017)
Yes, the aforementioned drive of the same game above. Two plays from Gronk are equally memorable. The first demonstrated why Gronk was THE elite pass catching TE. Under pressure, Brady threw the ball low. Gronk picked the ball out of the air just before it could hit the turf. A big man should not be able to make that catch. On the ensuing 2 point conversion, Gronk badly faked the defender and pointed at him laughing before spiking the ball. I would absolutely despise Gronk if he did that against my team.
#17 – Larry Izzo INT vs Buffalo (2003)
Remember the first game of that season? A 31-0 loss to Buffalo. They hate their coach. Perfect synchronicity as the Patriots were leading 31-0. The Bills drove the ball to the Pats 5 yard line with seconds remaining. Why is this INT memorable? Just watch the celebration on the field by the entire defense. The home crowd went nuts. This momentum continued through the Super Bowl. No clips of the play alone. Just forward to the last play of this full game tape and enjoy the moment!
#16 – Rex Ryan calls a Timeout / Gaffney TD (2007)
The perfect regular season ended up having a couple close calls as the season went on. None were closer than this. The game had been lost a few plays before the TD. However, Baltimore D Coordinator had called a timeout just before the snap. Classic! The TD to Gaffney with under 40 seconds shut up the rowdy Baltimore crowd and kept the perfect season alive.
#15 – Brady to Moss to Brady to Gaffney OVER Anthony Smith (2007)
Anthony Smith was talking before the game. Brady abused him the entire game. This incredible trick play was the exclamation point. Shut up, kid.
#14 – Wilfork INT vs Chargers (2011)
The athleticism by a 325lb guy to make that play! You could tell by the way he was running that he wanted the pick 6. It was just not meant to be. He wasn’t outrunning anyone. But what an attempt.
#13 – Vinateiri TD pass to Troy Brown (2003)
This was such a typical play symbolic of the first Patriots dynasty. Just a brilliant play at a time when it was needed. It caught the Rams off guard, it caught the TV cameras off guard. Ernie Adams?
#12 – Troy Brown INT vs Bills (2003)
A defense decimated by injuries turned to Troy Brown to play CB. This is the epitome of why Troy Brown is one of the most loved players in Patriots history. He was the #1 WR during the early Tom Brady years, yet filled in on defense out of necessity. He had 3 INT’s in his career, but this one against Bledsoe is the one I remember best.
#11 – Brady to Moss TD for double records vs Giants (2007)
I remember being so nervous during this game. When Moss dropped a sure TD the prior play, it seemed to signal an end to the incredible 07 run. But the next play happened, and it was electric. It was such a special moment. How can this fall out of the Top 10? I can’t help but watch this play and think about the rematch a month later, the game which shall not be mentioned.
#10 – The Butt Fumble
No other information is needed. The play is that infamous. Did the play lead to any Patriot greatness that season? No. The Jets were the best of the three division rivals during this era, and even they were more often than not destined to lose to the Patriots in dominant fashion. This play is the best representation of the Pats/Jets relationship during those years.
#9 – Gronk refuses to be tackled vs Redskins
The poor Redskins defenders looked foolish on this play. Of course, there are several Gronk plays on this list. This was the play where we could sit back and smile knowing we had the most dominant receiving force on our team.
#8 – Gronk one handed catch vs Broncos
While the Sergio Brown play demonstrated Gronk’s blocking dominance, this catch demonstrated Gronk’s greatness as a pure receiver. It is the greatest catch I have ever seen from a TE. It was also a catch that put the final nail in the hated Broncos in what became a blowout win.
#7 – Brady Kenbrell Tompkins vs Saints (2013)
Kenbrell who? Yup, Kenbrell Tompkins was Brady’s #1 WR for a season. Brady being Brady made the most of it. This game was frustrating as it appeared a loss to the Saints was inevitable. A final drive that included a 4th down conversion to Austin Collie (yes, he was on that team too) was punctuated with a perfect throw to Tompkins with seconds remaining to win the game. Pure Brady clutch.
#6 – Brady 2nd Quarter in the Snow vs Titans (2009)
I know I said I would keep each entry to a play or two. I lied. To stay true to the rules, I will use the flea flicker bomb TD to Moss as the play. For all the whining done by NFL Karens about running up the score in 2007, Brady could have put up 80+ points if they kept playing in the 2nd half. This game was beautiful—the snow, the dominance.
#5 – Welker 99 yard TD vs Miami (2011)
Patriots were up by 14 early in the 4th quarter, but were buried inside their own 1 yard line. Brady went empty to the surprise of the announcers, and 99+ yards later Welker was in the endzone. Belichick’s reaction was notable as we got a rare glimpse of celebration from him out of the amazing execution of that play.
#4 – Goal Line Stand vs Colts (2003)
It was Week 13 against the rival Colts. Both teams were 9-2 and playoff seeding was on the line, and the Colts were driving to take the lead and win the game. 1st and goal from the 2 yard line. 4 straight stops. Willie McGinest and Manning face on the last play! So satisfying.
#3 – Mo Lewis Hit on Drew Bledsoe (2001)
Some may find it distasteful to put this on the list. Hey, I loved Bledsoe too. I don’t care. Mo Lewis deserves a statue in Foxboro. Sure, Brady would have eventually replaced Drew. However, had this happened in Week 10 instead of Week 2, we likely do not have the beginning of the dynasty that year. Love ya, Mo! So Jetsy, isn’t it?
#2 – Bruschi INT and Snowballs vs Miami (2003)
One week after the goal line stand against the Colts, this was another must win game for playoff seeding in Week 14. This pick 6 by Bruschi was simply special. Amazing hands and awareness to catch that ball. The fans turning Foxboro Stadium into a snow globe makes this play memorable forever.
#1 – Brady to Troy Brown in OT vs Miami (2003)
2003 is getting a lot of love, isn’t it? It deserves it. Go back and rewatch that season. So much excitement in those games. Remember, this was not yet a dynasty. 2001 was still considered a fluke. 2002 was a terrible disappointment. And this was an early game in Miami. The pass Brady threw was a majestic bomb hitting Brown in stride for the win. It was one of our earliest examples of clutch Brady. And watch Belichick’s reaction on the sideline. He threw his headset in the air in jubilation. Since when does Belichick go all Pete Carroll? He doesn’t. He knew how special that play and that win was. Watch it again now. If you do not get goosebumps, you have no soul.
Feel free to comment on plays I missed or orders you disagree with. Or give me a Kraft special rub n tug if you agree with everything.
Let me know if you have suggestions for the next list.
Anthony Smith was talking before the game. Brady abused him the entire game. This incredible trick play was the exclamation point. Shut up, kid.
#14 – Wilfork INT vs Chargers (2011)
The athleticism by a 325lb guy to make that play! You could tell by the way he was running that he wanted the pick 6. It was just not meant to be. He wasn’t outrunning anyone. But what an attempt.
#13 – Vinateiri TD pass to Troy Brown (2003)
This was such a typical play symbolic of the first Patriots dynasty. Just a brilliant play at a time when it was needed. It caught the Rams off guard, it caught the TV cameras off guard. Ernie Adams?
#12 – Troy Brown INT vs Bills (2003)
A defense decimated by injuries turned to Troy Brown to play CB. This is the epitome of why Troy Brown is one of the most loved players in Patriots history. He was the #1 WR during the early Tom Brady years, yet filled in on defense out of necessity. He had 3 INT’s in his career, but this one against Bledsoe is the one I remember best.
#11 – Brady to Moss TD for double records vs Giants (2007)
I remember being so nervous during this game. When Moss dropped a sure TD the prior play, it seemed to signal an end to the incredible 07 run. But the next play happened, and it was electric. It was such a special moment. How can this fall out of the Top 10? I can’t help but watch this play and think about the rematch a month later, the game which shall not be mentioned.
#10 – The Butt Fumble
No other information is needed. The play is that infamous. Did the play lead to any Patriot greatness that season? No. The Jets were the best of the three division rivals during this era, and even they were more often than not destined to lose to the Patriots in dominant fashion. This play is the best representation of the Pats/Jets relationship during those years.
#9 – Gronk refuses to be tackled vs Redskins
The poor Redskins defenders looked foolish on this play. Of course, there are several Gronk plays on this list. This was the play where we could sit back and smile knowing we had the most dominant receiving force on our team.
#8 – Gronk one handed catch vs Broncos
While the Sergio Brown play demonstrated Gronk’s blocking dominance, this catch demonstrated Gronk’s greatness as a pure receiver. It is the greatest catch I have ever seen from a TE. It was also a catch that put the final nail in the hated Broncos in what became a blowout win.
#7 – Brady Kenbrell Tompkins vs Saints (2013)
Kenbrell who? Yup, Kenbrell Tompkins was Brady’s #1 WR for a season. Brady being Brady made the most of it. This game was frustrating as it appeared a loss to the Saints was inevitable. A final drive that included a 4th down conversion to Austin Collie (yes, he was on that team too) was punctuated with a perfect throw to Tompkins with seconds remaining to win the game. Pure Brady clutch.
#6 – Brady 2nd Quarter in the Snow vs Titans (2009)
I know I said I would keep each entry to a play or two. I lied. To stay true to the rules, I will use the flea flicker bomb TD to Moss as the play. For all the whining done by NFL Karens about running up the score in 2007, Brady could have put up 80+ points if they kept playing in the 2nd half. This game was beautiful—the snow, the dominance.
#5 – Welker 99 yard TD vs Miami (2011)
Patriots were up by 14 early in the 4th quarter, but were buried inside their own 1 yard line. Brady went empty to the surprise of the announcers, and 99+ yards later Welker was in the endzone. Belichick’s reaction was notable as we got a rare glimpse of celebration from him out of the amazing execution of that play.
#4 – Goal Line Stand vs Colts (2003)
It was Week 13 against the rival Colts. Both teams were 9-2 and playoff seeding was on the line, and the Colts were driving to take the lead and win the game. 1st and goal from the 2 yard line. 4 straight stops. Willie McGinest and Manning face on the last play! So satisfying.
#3 – Mo Lewis Hit on Drew Bledsoe (2001)
Some may find it distasteful to put this on the list. Hey, I loved Bledsoe too. I don’t care. Mo Lewis deserves a statue in Foxboro. Sure, Brady would have eventually replaced Drew. However, had this happened in Week 10 instead of Week 2, we likely do not have the beginning of the dynasty that year. Love ya, Mo! So Jetsy, isn’t it?
#2 – Bruschi INT and Snowballs vs Miami (2003)
One week after the goal line stand against the Colts, this was another must win game for playoff seeding in Week 14. This pick 6 by Bruschi was simply special. Amazing hands and awareness to catch that ball. The fans turning Foxboro Stadium into a snow globe makes this play memorable forever.
#1 – Brady to Troy Brown in OT vs Miami (2003)
2003 is getting a lot of love, isn’t it? It deserves it. Go back and rewatch that season. So much excitement in those games. Remember, this was not yet a dynasty. 2001 was still considered a fluke. 2002 was a terrible disappointment. And this was an early game in Miami. The pass Brady threw was a majestic bomb hitting Brown in stride for the win. It was one of our earliest examples of clutch Brady. And watch Belichick’s reaction on the sideline. He threw his headset in the air in jubilation. Since when does Belichick go all Pete Carroll? He doesn’t. He knew how special that play and that win was. Watch it again now. If you do not get goosebumps, you have no soul.
Feel free to comment on plays I missed or orders you disagree with. Or give me a Kraft special rub n tug if you agree with everything.
Let me know if you have suggestions for the next list.
#28 should be higher. That is a classic moment. Great list.
I finally finished this. Phenomenal stuff, @Lord Dingleberry. If you guys have any other articles you would like to see (Pats or non-Pats related), feel free to make some suggestions.
Why soccer is GOATed
I guess we can have G stand for Gayest to write that one.
I'll get to work. Why soccer is the gayest of all time? There is so much material to work with. This might end up being a whole book.
I think the next write up will be the unsung heroes of the Dynasty Era.
From Antowain Smith to Malcolm Mitchell, there are lots of them to bring up.
From Antowain Smith to Malcolm Mitchell, there are lots of them to bring up.
I'm almost there
Lord Chevy
I'm home
#6 also gave us, in my opinion, one of BB's best locker room lines of all time - "I guess I can't complain about no big plays anymore"
And #15 should be a two-fer ... Add The Turkey Day "Hold my beer" second half after Alphonso Smith taunted Brady.
And #15 should be a two-fer ... Add The Turkey Day "Hold my beer" second half after Alphonso Smith taunted Brady.
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