The New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys are two of the most successful NFL teams of all time. The Cowboys have won five Super Bowl championships and have a reputation for their dominant defense and powerful running game, while the Patriots have won six Super Bowl titles and are known for their quick and efficient offense. Both teams have had legendary players and coaches, but the Patriots’ dynasty, led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, gives them the edge over the Cowboys in terms of defining modern football. Therefore, the New England Patriots are considered the greatest NFL team of all time.
The Patriots vs. The Cowboys: Which NFL Team is the Greatest of All Time?
Football fans across the world have often debated about the two greatest NFL teams of all time – the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys. While both teams have had tremendous success in the league, their history, achievements, and style of play are very different. In this article, we will compare and contrast these iconic franchises and determine which is the greatest NFL team of all time.
History
The Cowboys, founded in 1960, have a rich history in the NFL, having played in the league for over 60 years. The team has won five Super Bowl championships, with the most recent win coming in 1995. The Cowboys’ success in the 1970s, led by the famous coach Tom Landry and Hall of Famers such as Roger Staubach, was attributed to their innovative and elite defense.
The Patriots, established in 1959 as the Boston Patriots, have had a tumultuous history with numerous highs and lows. However, their rise to dominance came in the late 90s, and the team has since won six Super Bowl titles. The Patriots dynasty, led by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, is considered one of the most successful in NFL history.
Quarterbacks
When it comes to quarterbacks, both teams have had legendary players taking the snaps. The Cowboys’ Roger Staubach is a Hall of Famer and a Super Bowl MVP, while Troy Aikman was a three-time Super Bowl champion and has since become an NFL commentator. On the other hand, the Patriots had Tom Brady, widely considered as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Brady has won six Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVPs, and has numerous NFL records to his name.
Coaches
The Cowboys are known for their legendary coach Tom Landry, who led the team for 29 seasons, and took the Cowboys to the playoffs 18 times, including five Super Bowl appearances. Bill Parcells, who coached the team in the 2000s, also deserves mention as a great coach in Cowboys’ history.
While the Patriots had some successful coaches earlier, their dynasty was built on the back of Bill Belichick. Belichick has coached the Patriots since 2000 and has an impressive resume, having won six Super Bowls and numerous other accolades. His strategic and innovative plays on the field have inspired many modern-day coaches.
Style of Play
The Cowboys are known for their dominant defense and powerful running game. Legendary players like Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett have played major roles in their success. The team had a reputation for building solid offensive and defensive lines, allowing them to control the pace of the game.
The Patriots, on the other hand, are known for their quick and gritty style of play. Led by Tom Brady, they are well-known for their dynamic and efficient offense, with numerous plays showing their skill and intelligence on the field. In contrast, they have had a more defensive-minded outlook in recent years but still excel at playing smart and fast-paced football.
Achievements
In terms of achievements, both teams have had considerable success in the league. The Cowboys have made the playoffs 34 times and have won five Super Bowls, while the Patriots have made the playoffs 27 times and have won six Super Bowls. The Patriots hold the record for the most Super Bowl appearances since 2000 (11) and for the most Super Bowl wins (6).
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots have had an incredible history in the NFL, with numerous legendary players, coaches, and victories. While the Cowboys were a dominant force in the 70s with their innovative defense, the Patriots’ dynasty led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick has defined modern football. In terms of achievements, both teams are comparable, but the Patriots’ dynasty gives them an edge over the Cowboys. Therefore, we can conclude that the New England Patriots are the greatest NFL team of all time.