New England Patriots - Hearts Of Champions
by Kenny Watkins
The New England Patriots originally were the Boston Patriots from
1960-1970. After that they became the New England Patriots. Their name
Patriots as a tribute to the birthplace of the American Revolution.
Team jersey colors are red, white and blue. The most popular patriots
jersey is Tom Brady.
In the first few years the Patriots
struggled. But in 1963 they made their first playoff appearance. Not a
very successful one as the San Diego Chargers demolished them 51-10.
The next few years were a struggle. Playing in four different
stadium's in 11 years wasn't easy.
In 1971 they finally found an home in Foxboro, which they call home
still today. They drafted Jim Plunkett hoping to turn their fortunes
around but he couldn't and was traded to the 49ers. This trade would
prove very valuable as the Patriots got draft picks for Plunkett.
1976 would mark a turnaround and a playoff berth for the Patriots.
Their first playoff appearance in 13 years would mean they had to
travel to Oakland to play the Raiders. Unfortunately the
Oakland Raiders would
win the game and the Patriots wouldn't be back in the playoffs again
until 1982.
The Miami Dolphins would end the Patriots playoff run this time. In
the Orange Bowl the Dolphins proved to much for the Patriots and won
28-13. 1985 would be a break out season for the Patriots. It would
mark their first Super Bowl appearance.
The Patriots were big under dogs to the 15-1
Chicago Bears. It would
prove to be right as the Bears dominated from the opening kickoff and
drubbed the Patriots 46-10. In 1996 the Patriots would make another
Super Bowl led by coach Bill Parcells. But the result would be the
same as the Patriots lose to the Green Bay Packers.
2000 would mark the Patriots turnaround with them hiring Bill
Belichick. It would take Belichick awhile to turn it around but he
does. The Patriots win their first Super Bowl in 2002 over the
St
Louis Rams and the following season go through internal struggles
and miss the playoffs.
In 2004 they once again our Super Bowl
Champions beating the Carolina
Panthers under quarterback Tom Brady's stellar performance. The
Patriots defense has been great the last few years as well.
Patriots merchandise is one of the most popular sellers since there
have been a lot of bandwagon fans as of late. Everyone loves a winner
so that is all you see is Patriots hats and Patriots clothing of all
kinds. The people that actually go to Gillette stadium look like they
bundle up good for the games. They even bring their Patriots blankets
from home to keep themselves warm.
Right now the Patriots are heads above everyone else but how long will
it last. Only time will tell.
For more information about other New England
Patriots merchandise visit the main football
page or choose from one of the following pages:
About The Author
Kenneth Watkins is an avid college football fan as well as a
successful sports author and regular contributor to
http://www.sports-gift.com. A free service for people to find the best
sports fan gift idea for the sports fan in their life. |
