I remember one day in February 2005 getting into the shower and thinking to myself that after 3 championships in 4 years that it was going to be a great next few years as we three-peated and won an ungodly amount of championships. I would have bet my life then and there that Peyton Manning or his stupid little brother would never even see a Superbowl let alone win one. I thought it would last forever, why wouldn't it?
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I know as far as being a fan, I will never take it for granted again. I promise, just one more guys. I just want to get this bad taste from 2007 out of my mouth.
Great thread. Thanks.
I see the beginning of wisdom for many in these comments.
As someone who has known some of the darkest days of this franchise and who is a bit of a student of NFL history, I think I always understood how remarkable 2001, 03, 04, as well 06 and 07 were and tried to point it out to folks when it seemed they thought that every year would bring another.
Five trips to the conference championship, four to the SB and three rings in seven years! Of course, nothing can ever take away the feelings we shared when Tyree made his catch and we just kind of knew that a TD and loss were now inevitable. But, still, it was a run that people will still be talking about 25 years from now.
I'm starting to feel that this might be another special year; all the more special because so few of us (and my hat is off to those of you who saw it coming!) predicted it.
I think that Bob Kraft has it right when he sets the objective for the organization that the team will be "competitive" for the playoffs every year. He knows how precious SB's are and that saying (like Dan Snyder and Wrecks Cryin') that you're going to win the SB every year is nonsense.
Anyway, a little perspective for those who still need it. In the history of the SB era:
Franchises with six or more SB appearances: Cowboys (8), Steelers (7), Patriots and Broncos (6). That's it. 44 years, 88 "slots" in the big game and those four teams have filled 27 of them (over 30%)!