The Patriots: Building a dynasty

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 30, 2005

January 1994

Robert Kraft purchases the Patriots, who were last in revenue, attendance and payroll. Kraft immediately declares his intention to win a championship.

Bill Belichick, is named Patriots coach. The next month, Scott Pioli becomes vice president of player personnel. They begin with a core of players acquired by former coach Bill Parcells, including linebackers Tedy Bruschi, Ted Johnson and Willie McGinest, corner Ty Law, receiver Troy Brown and kicker Adam Vinatieri.

The Patriots use a sixth-round draft pick to select future Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady.

Under the direction of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, right, quarterback Drew Bledsoe leads the team to an undistinguished 5-11 record, last in the AFC East.

Richard Seymour, a future Pro Bowl defensive tackle, and Matt Light, the future left tackle, are drafted. Soon after, running back Antowain Smith, released by Buffalo, signs with New England.

At 0-2, the Patriots seem in trouble when starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe is injured. His backup, Tom Brady, and new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel help the team win 11 of its next 14 games and the AFC East title.

A snowy Foxboro Stadium has a dramatic final game. The Patriots beat the Raiders 16-13 in overtime in the division playoffs. A pair of special teams touchdowns helps them defeat the Steelers 24-17 in the AFC title game. The team's first Super Bowl win comes on the final play, a 48-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal, against the Rams.

Receivers Deion Branch and David Givens and tight end Daniel Graham are drafted to bolster the offense.

The Patriots manage only a 9-7 record, finishing second in the AFC East to the Jets.

Five current starters are drafted: cornerbacks Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel, kick returner Bethel Johnson, defensive tackle Ty Warren and center Dan Koppen. Five days before the season opener, the team releases captain and seventh-year strong safety Lawyer Milloy, who signs with the division rival Bills.

They lose two of their first four games, including 31-0 to Milloy's Bills in the opener, but rebound to begin their NFL record winning streak.

Winners of 12 straight regular-season games, the Patriots beat the Titans then easily handle the Colts to win the AFC. The team claims its second Super Bowl, edging the Panthers 32-29 on Vinatieri's field goal with four seconds left.April 19, 2004

Often sullen running back Corey Dillon is acquired from Cincinnati for a second-round pick.2004 season

On the legs of Dillon, the Patriots run their winning streak to 21 before losing 34-20 at Pittsburgh. Their 14 regular-season wins is second best in the AFC.

Crennel's defense easily handles the Colts. Then the Patriots avenge their loss to the Steelers, winning in Pittsburgh, and sending them to their fifth Super Bowl and third in four seasons.

[Last modified January 30, 2005, 00:42:53]