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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Oliver Connolly

From Evil Empire to Super Bowl underdogs: is it OK to like the Patriots now?

Patriots Mike Vrabel Robert Kraft Bill Belichick Tom Brady Super Bowl Christian Barmore Donald Trump Stefon Diggs Cory Durden
Mike Vrabel is a popular head coach across the league.
Mike Vrabel is a popular head coach across the league. Photograph: Elsa/Getty Images

There used to be a simple rule: Anybody but the New England Patriots.

From 2001 through 2019, the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick dynasty totaled six Super Bowl titles, 13 conference championship appearances and 17 divisional crowns. They were the Evil Empire, constant contenders in a league designed for parity. It didn’t matter who you were; the Patriots were the final boss.

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