NEW ORLEANS — For nearly two decades the New England Patriots dominated the NFL like no other franchise ever.
Across 19 seasons (2001-2019), they won 17 AFC East divisional crowns, made 17 playoff appearances and reached nine Super Bowls, winning six of them. Arguably their best team — in 2007 — was the first to go 18-0 … only to lose at the end.
It’s not a shock that some team would come along to challenge that run of greatness. It is that it happened immediately — the end of the Patriots' reign corresponds with the ascension of these Kansas City Chiefs, who are seeking their fourth Super Bowl title, and third consecutive, in six seasons when they face Philadelphia on Sunday.