The Off-Season: Top NFL Franchises in the 2000s

By the 21^st century, the NFL had overtaken Major League Baseball as the most viewed sport in the United States. The Super Bowl easily became the largest and most celebrated sporting event in the country. The decade of the 2000's included some of the closest and most exhilarating Super Bowl fourth quarters in the game's history. A trio of AFC teams emerged as the elite franchises of the decade.

New England Patriots

The Patriots' dynasty commenced with an upset 20-17 victory over the high-powered St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI (2001). They marginally defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003), and edged out the Philadelphia Eagles 24-1 in Super Bowl XXXIX (2004). The three championships were defined by a disciplined and systematic offense with limited mistakes, as well as a sound defense that could hold their own. In 2007, Patriots became an overwhelming offensive powerhouse, breaking the record for most points scored in season, 589 to be exact. They won all 16 regular season games, and were heavy favorites to win a fourth Super Bowl in seven years. However, the Wild Card New York Giants shocked the Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Throughout the decade, the Patriots won 10 or more games in eight seasons, clinching seven playoff appearances. The catalyst behind the Patriots decade of success was the ingenious head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots of the 2000's were led by quarterback Tom Brady, wide receivers Deion Branch, Randy Moss, Troy Brown, and Wes Welker, running backs Antwan Smith and Corey Dillon, and linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers won a franchise-high 15 games in 2004, but lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. A year later, they earned their first trip to the Super Bowl in eleven years. They defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. Three years later in Super Bowl XLIII, they scored on their final driver to rally to defeat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. It was their second Super Bowl victory of the decade, and they became the first NFL franchise to win six Super Bowl championships. Throughout the 2000's, the Steelers won 10 or more games in six seasons. They appeared in the postseason six times. Bill Cowher was the head coach until Mike Tomlin took over in 2007. Key players for the Steelers included quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running backs Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker, wide receivers Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes, safety Troy Polamalu, linebackers James Farrior and James Harrison.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts won more games than any other team in the 2000's, and appeared in the playoffs nine times, also the most of all NFL franchises. However, the decade could be defined by multiple post-season failures. Very few would argue that the Colts consistently possessed the most potent offense over the decade, but they struggled during the postseason. They finally captured the elusive title when the defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI (2006). Three years later, the Colts had an opportunity to end the decade with another championship. Instead, they lost 31-17 to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. They won 12 or more games in seven seasons over the course of the decade. They were led by head coach Tony Dungy from 2002 to 2008. Jim Caldwell led the Colts in 2009. Key players for the Colts included quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison, tight end Dallas Clark, and running back Joseph Addai.

Honorable mentions include Philadelphia Eagles; Baltimore Ravens; New York Giants

Resource: Pro Football Reference