Is the dynasty dead? Not likely.

Following the New York Giants' incredible upset victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, Michael Strahan jubilantly declared that they had come into that stadium and killed a dynasty. Prior to the game the team wore all black, essentially claiming that this would be a funeral for the death of the Patriots' age of dominance.

Was he right? Did the crushing defeat on the doorstep of history break the back of what has been the most dominant football franchise in the new millenium? Not likely.

What Strahan, the Giants, and the rest of the NFL have forgotten is that the Patriots' dynasty was not founded on the backs of superstars. Analysts bemoan the departures of players like Asante Samuel and Donte Stallworth. They talk of the resigning of Randy Moss as if this was a season saving move for the Patriots. They seem to forget that it was not too long ago that Pats were beating teams like St. Louis and Philadelphia (w/Terrell Owens) using players like Randall Gay, Earthwind Moreland, and even Troy Brown (wide receiver/return man/cornerback). What people used to love about the Patriots was the way they won as a team. Every victory was a labor of toughness and grit, every defensive stand coming from sheer force of will rather than large contract stars. The Pats ground down their opponents. Offense wasn't about long bombs to Randy Moss, it was about small short range passes to everyone on the offense (David Givens, David Patten, Deion Branch, Christian Fauria) and tough short runs by Kevin Faulk and Antowain Smith.  Defense was about big plays when they counted. Ty Law getting four interceptions against Peyton Manning in a snow storm. Troy Brown picking off opposing quarterbacks 3 times despite being an offensive player his entire career. Willie McGinest stopping Edgerrin James on fourth and goal at the one yard line. That was what Patriots football was all about. It was their smash mouth, in-your-face toughness and desire that beat opponents. 

The Patriots have gone soft. In 2001 or 2003 there would be no way that they could be pushed around by a team like the Giants. The 2003 Patriots would have stopped the Giants on their final drive. They would've sacked Eli Manning, they would have covered David Tyree, they would have been all over Plaxico Burress. It wouldn't be pretty. They wouldn't have gone undefeated in the regular season. But they would've found a way to win that championship.

Asante Samuel is leaving? Good. The Patriots lost the Super Bowl? Good. Maybe now the Patriots can step back and see what they've become. It's time for them to get back to what used to make them special. Back to a time when we could win with a player like Earthwind Moreland on the field. Those are the Patriots that won championships and that's what will keep this dynasty alive.