For years now, New England has been a team regarded as orienting offense-first. Having Tom Brady under center, it’s hard to argue against the merits of that philosophy. And yet, as head coach Bill Belichick always says, it takes all three phases of the game to build a championship team.
Early on at the beginning of their dynasty, New England featured an up-tempo, prepared, intimidating, in-your-face defense. It was the perfect mix of veteran leadership and young, hungry firepower. Players by the names of Ty Law, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, Rosevelt Colvin, and Lawyer Milloy were seen, known, and respected across television sets from coast to coast.