Top 10 Teams Defeated by Brady-Belichick Teams

(Because we’re better than you and want to talk about it)

By: James Parsons - witness to it all

With all this winning going on, it can be hard to distinguish some of the great battles that have transpired during the Belichick-Brady era. Here we dissect the best teams that the Belichick-Brady duo took down. I will try to pay homage to their plight as we diabolically watched throughout the years as their hearts weakened and broke when pressed up against the might of this generation’s greatest combination. One small administrative point I want to make is that replacement pro bowler selections do not count as pro bowlers as far as this list and my integrity are concerned, otherwise there would be chaos. Now, without further delay, let us divulge.

10) 2007 Giants

Record: 10-6

Defeated them: Week 17, 38-35

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin

Quarterback: Eli Manning

Pro Bowlers: Osi Umenyiora

In the interests of reconciling my past, I have to acknowledge this team out of the integrity of the process. But, in fairness to me, I refuse to rank the 2007 Giants above the 10 seed. Part of my reasoning is out of pettiness and part of it resides because they were not as consistent or complete as their elite counterparts. The 2007 Patriots, despite not closing the deal, were able to defeat the Super Bowl champion Giants in week 17 38-35 in New Jersey that saw Brady and Moss set NFL single season touchdown records and provided a thrilling conclusion to an undefeated regular season. However, when they met in Super bowl 42, it was the Giants’ front four of Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan and underrated inside anchor Fred Robbins which played the deciding factor, slowing down and punishing the greatest offense in NFL history all while holding them to 14 points. Despite their post season success and vaunted front 4, the giants are not an all-time great team. They allowed 22 points a game while scoring 23.3 points a game. Their style of play was complementary. With Eli Manning being young and not as refined, the offensive production relied on physical pass catchers Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, in-his-prime Jeremy Shockey, as well as the 4th best rushing attack featuring the punishing Brandon Jacobs, to keep drives alive. They peaked at the right time and gutted out impressive victories against the Cowboys, Packers then finally the Patriots, none by more than 4 points. The number 1 reason they made the top 10 was their ability to knock off the 2007 Patriots. They are the only team that has or ever will defeat them and their reward is a forever reserved spot in obnoxious NFL legacy conversations such as this one.

9) 2011 Ravens

Record: 12-4

Defeated them: AFC Championship, 23-20

Head Coach: John Harbaugh

Quarterback: Joe Flacco

Pro Bowlers: Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Marshal Yanda, Vonta Leach, Ray Rice

There cannot be any historical Patriots’ list out there that does not pay tribute to the battles won and lost against the Baltimore Ravens. I consider the Ravens of this era (2009-2016) to be the toughest regimen the Patriots faced. Much like the 2007 Giants, the Ravens had similar gamesmanship. They sported a strong running game with Ray Rice and FB Vonta Leach both reaching the pro bowl and allowed Flacco time to throw using his arm strength on play action, while minimizing mistakes. Their defense had veteran leadership at every position. A top tier Linebacker core including two Hall of Famers, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, were only part of the problem while inside (Hall of Fame hopeful) Haloti Ngata helped ensure their #2 run defense. In their secondary, the fourth best passing defense in 2011 was led by the greatest safety of all time, Ed Reed. Like Ty Law was to Peyton Manning, Ed Reed was to Tom Brady. There were no Baltimore beat downs when he took the field, no high scoring shoot outs or soft Jack Del Rio zones to pick apart. In addition, the Ravens even had nemesis safety Bernard Pollard, whose name I will mention no more. Each game against Ed Reed made Brady fans (and fantasy owners) queasy. With all the success the Patriots have had, they have only managed to beat the Ravens by more than 1 score once while Brady was under center, a 2013 41-7 oddity which exemplified Flacco’s shortcoming’s more than the Patriots’ offensive supremacy. 3 times the Patriots eked out victories by the score 23-20, the closest 23-20 game being the 2011 AFC Championship game. Brady was unable to throw a TD pass and won that game by the hair of Bill Cundiff’s chin and sent previously well respected receiver Lee Evans into retirement (somewhere on the west coast I’m assuming). The 2011 Ravens had all the characteristics of a championship team: A respected head coach, top ranked defense and premiere rushing attack. They could control the flow of the game and when teams tried to play from behind, created timely turnovers. The 2011 AFC Championship game was a battle. And that 2011 Ravens core was mostly intact (except for Bill Cundiff and Lee Evans of course) in 2012 when they went on to win the Super bowl against the 49ers.

8) 2004 Eagles

Record: 13-3

Defeated them: Super bowl 39, 24-21

Head Coach: Andy Reid

Quarterback: Donovan McNabb

Pro Bowlers: Brian Westbrook, Jeremiah Trotter, Donovan McNabb, Tra Thomas, Ike Reese, Michael Lewis, David Akers, Lito Sheppard, Terrell Owns, Brian Dawkins

A year after coming off their 3rd straight NFC Championship game, with perennial pro bowlers Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook and Hall of Fame coach Andy Reid returning, the 2004 Eagles were well put together, talented and battle tested. Moreover, the 2004 Eagles added both Javon Kearse and the Terrell Owens, the top offensive and defensive free agents in the off season. In short, this team did not have any glaring weaknesses, finishing 8th in scoring offense and 2nd in scoring defense. Unlike the case with the 2011 Ravens or 2007 Giants, the 2004 Eagles had a top 5 QB, top 5 WR and a top 5 RB to bolster their offensive repertoire. In week 6, it became apparent that this 2004 Eagles team was a superior brand than their previous versions. In a rematch of the 2003 NFC Championship game, the Eagles dominated the Panthers, making former Carolina sweetheart, Ricky Manning, who picked off McNabb 3 times during the previous year’s NFC Championship game; resemble a turn table as the big three of TO, Westbrook and McNabb made it look easy winning 30-8. I believe this team was the best Eagles team in franchise history, yes including the Nick Foles’ year. It took the best version of the Patriots, the 2004 Patriots, to prevent what would be considered an all-time team. In the playoffs, they shined against perennial playoff teams. In the divisional round they shut down Randy Moss and the Vikings to win 27-14 (7 of the 14 points were garbage time points in final 2 minutes) and then subsequently shut down Michael Vick and the Falcons 27-10 in the NFC Championship. It is important to note that out of the 3 regular season losses they suffered, two of their three losses came in weeks 16 and 17, after the #1 seed in NFC was wrapped up and remaining loss went against the 15-1 Steelers. Philadelphia fans will always wonder what-if TO never gets hurt week 15 and was 100% for the Super bowl. Luckily for us Patriots fans, those Philadelphia fan conversations are about as useful as figuring out which coworker passed gas. The more you sniff, they worse you feel.

7) 2013 Broncos

Record: 13-3

Defeated them: Week 12, 34-31 (OT)

Head Coach: John Fox

Quarterback: Peyton Manning

Pro Bowlers: Matt Prater, Louis Vasquez, Julius Thomas, Demaryius Thomas, Peyton Manning

Maybe history will be kinder to the 2013 Broncos than the current narrative, which mostly uses this team as a punchline or as a prop to pump up the Seahawks, who physically dominated the Broncos’ offense, holding them scoreless through 3 quarters and ruining their reputation as an all-time elite unit. Yet, I will not forget how this team was an absolute offensive juggernaut during their 2013 campaign scoring 49, 41, 37, 52, 51, 35, 33 & 45 points during their first 8 games before the bye week. Granted, as the weather began to turn, their offense slowed but that didn’t stop them from averaging 37.9 pts/g and finishing 13-3 in a division that had 3 teams represented in the playoffs. The Patriots, in Brady’s 2nd-best comeback, overcame a 24 point halftime deficit against the Broncos in Week 12 in the swirling wind on Sunday Night. And in the most underappreciated move in Patriots history, Bill Belichick decided to take the wind when winning the coin toss in overtime, giving Peyton the ball first in what was a stone cold serving of steel cojones. With the wind working against him, the Broncos could not get into field goal range and ended up muffing a punt return (thank you Wes) to seal their fate. In a season which the Broncos dominated the competition, that call epitomizes the fact that Belichick operates on another level than his coaching counterparts, owning beach front property in Peyton’s ever expanding head. In terms of reputation, the 2013 Broncos had the biggest fall from grace in the NFL. They would have been viewed as one of the greatest teams in NFL history, but because of their miserable showing against the Seahawks will not even crack the top 6 on this factual list of accuracies. As time passes, fans forget how good this team was. On opening night against the defending champion Ravens, Manning threw 7 touchdowns, making me almost pity Baltimore. He ended up with 5,444 yards with 55 touchdown passes to only 10 interceptions. Regardless of how the season ended, I still vividly remember when the Patriots pulled off their week 12 upset and that genuine jubilation had everything to do with how rightfully fearful we were of that team and genuinely shocked they pulled out a victory. All that being said, the Broncos could have at least ran one offensive play in the Super bowl before having the wheels fall off.

6) 2004 Steelers

Record: 15-1

Defeated them: AFC Championship, 41-27

Head Coach: Bill Cower

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger

Pro Bowlers: Jerome Bettis, Hines ward, Joey Porter, Troy Polamalu, Jeff Hartings, James Farrior, and Alan Faneca

Big Ben was a rookie, Jerome Bettis and Bill Cower were nearing the end of their illustrious careers and the Steel curtain defense was in full force. They had the #1 ranked scoring defense in the NFL, allowing a measly 15.7 pts/game, and played exceptional complementary football with a power running game; a formula familiar with Ravens and Giants teams that proved to be formidable opponents for us in later years. The ranking that defines this team is they were #2 in the NFL in rushing yards gained (156 yards/game), while being the #1 rushing defense (81 yards/game allowed). The 2004 Steelers won the battle of the trenches week-in and week-out, forcing teams to play at their pace and controlling the flow of the game. Most notably, they hit their stride weeks 8-9 of their 2004 campaign, notching the most impressive back to back regular season victories in my not-that-humble opinion. First they ended the 6-0 Patriots’ 21-game win streak on Halloween 34-20, leading by 21 throughout the duration of the game while holding a Corey Dillion-less offense to FIVE rushing yards on 6 carries. Then, a week later, dominated the 7-0 Eagles 27-3, also jumping out to a quick 21 point lead while holding the Eagles to a whopping 23 yards rushing yards on 9 carries. Shutting down and controlling the game against the two super bowl representatives exemplified the potential of their roster, especially in the fashion they did so. The 2004 Steelers represent the best record the Patriots have beat, being 16-1 heading into their AFC Championship matchup. What did them in was a rookie quarterback had to match up against the greatest defensive mind in NFL history for a second time in the same season. Without the ability to play from ahead as is the previous game, Big Ben looked outmatched, highlighted by a pick six Rodney Harrison lulled him into right before halftime, strutting into the end zone like a kid walking out of church with Roethlisberger helplessly watching from the ground. It is because of this joy, I am able to write without trepidation that the 2004 Steelers could have been an all-time great team. But alas, the best the Patriots had to offer was too much for them to handle.

5) 2006 Chargers

Record: 14-2

Defeated them: AFC Divisional Round, 24-21

Head Coach: Marty Schnottenheimer

Quarterback: Philip Rivers

Pro Bowlers: Philip Rivers, Kassim Osgood, Marcus McNeil, Nick Hardwick, David Binn, Nate Kaeding, Lorenzo Neal, Jamal Williams, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Gates

It is a shame that the #5 team on this factual list of facts did not even reach the AFC Championship game. But I will not let the failures of Marty Schottenheimer let the 2006 Chargers fade away into NFL history oblivion. The 2006 Chargers were a supremely talented team sporting the most pro bowlers on this list with 11 along with runaway league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson, who accounted for a NFL record 31 touchdowns. They did not have any real deficiencies and are probably one of the most forgotten great teams in NFL history. I almost feel guilty for only having them at 5 but alas, I cannot award what was never won. The season’s failure marked the first time a Head Coach got fired after winning 14 games and the sad part is it wasn’t really his fault. You could blame him for the lack of touches Tomlinson had in the second half, which was a welcomed reprieve for a Patriots defense that had difficulty slowing him down. But it was Marty Schnottenheimer who specifically told a now infamous Marlon McCree during pregame warmups to go down to the ground after making the game winning interception. Of course, he did not and Marty had to watch in horror as Troy Brown stripped him after a 4th and 5 interception with only 6 ½ minutes left in the 4th , giving the Patriots new life after Brady’s 3rd pick of the game. There was also a moment in the first quarter where the Chargers went for a 4th and 11 at the Patriots’ 32 rather than attempt a 49 yard field goal. The conversion failed, and fittingly Gostkowski hit a 50 yard field goal in the subsequent drive, giving the Patriots the lead and some early much needed momentum and points. I am still surprised watching the highlights on YouTube and reliving some of the moments that the Patriots gutted out this win. One underappreciated facet of this game is that the Patriots exhibited the #1 scoring defense in the NFL this year so although their offense was much to be desired (after not resigning David Givens or Deon Branch in the off season) it was not an accident they were able to come up with big stops time and time again on defense. Although the Chargers’ core was still strong following this loss as they made the playoffs the next two consecutive years, this team was by far their best chance of winning. In fairness, being in San Diego, no one there really would have noticed either way.

4) 2018 Chiefs

Record: 12-4

Defeated them: Week 6, 43-40

Defeated them: AFC Championship: 37-31 (OT)

Head Coach: Andy Reid

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes

Pro Bowlers: Patrick Mahomes, Tykeek Hill, Travis Kelce, Eric Fisher, Anthony Sherman, Dee Ford

No one figured out how to stop Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the offensive firepower they put on display in the 2018 season. In both outings, the Patriots defense stood tall in the first half holding them to a combined 9 points. The second half told a different story, allowing a combined 62 points, giving way to thrilling back and forth shootouts. Given the level of unpredictable play from the Patriots in 2018, these wins defined the season. The Chiefs offense was on par with the 2013 Broncos, completely outclassing teams unable to keep up. However, although they scored a league best 35 points a game, at points their defense acted like they worked for the networks, routinely allowing opponents back in the game to add some second half intrigue. In their five losses they allowed 43, 54, 29, 38 & 37 points. This ineptitude is keeping the 2018 Chiefs from further respect in comparison to the remaining teams. Furthermore, the abrupt loss of Kareem Hunt midway through the season due to a domestic violence charge played a key role in their vulnerability down the stretch, as they lost 4 of their last 7 games (including post season). What should not be downplayed is how promising Patrick Mahomes looked in his first year as a starting quarterback. He ran away with the MVP throwing 50 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions while surpassing 5,000 yards passing. Combined with the Swiss army knife of offensive systems, Andy Reid’s deceptive screens, short passes, combined with the deep threat of Tyreek Hill and ultimate bro tight end Travis Kelce, this offense had success against every opponent they played. If their defense was a top 20 defense in the league, the story of the 2018 Chiefs would be different.

3) 2014 Seahawks

Record: 12-4

Defeated them: Super bowl 49, 28-24

Head Coach: Pete Carroll

Quarterback: Russell Wilson

Pro Bowlers: Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Bobby Wagner, Marshawn Lynch

The most important game in Patriots history (outside of week 2 in 2001) is Super Bowl 49. It was 9 years since their last super bowl win, Brady was being publicly ridiculed on national TV, the Seahawks are coming off a 2013 Super Bowl were they humiliated Peyton Manning, and Jimmy G was anxiously waiting for his turn to run the show. Granted, most of this is circumstantial and that does not necessitate that the 2014 Seahawks are a premier all-time team. What does, however, is their all-time defense and swagger. They had the #1 scoring defense in the NFL for the 2nd consecutive year. The Legion of boom was on the brink of being in the greatest defense of all time discussion, Pete Carroll seemed like the perfect players coach guru that could balance the strong personalities from their stars, and Russell Wilson was proving he had a knack for clutch performances and being a big game quarterback. In fairness to the ’14 Seahawks, they had the Patriots on the brink and played them in an increasingly combatant game that saw them be 1 yard away (sorry Beast mode) from taking a late lead and then saw them fight when the game was lost. I loved watching that implosion of energy and frustration from that Seahawks team. They truly believed there were going to win. They beat Brady a couple years earlier; with Russell indicating it was the beginning of a feeling they had something special. The year previous they made a mockery of the league’s vaunted Broncos 2013 squad and were all but prepared to take the throne on top of the NFL. They knew the significance of Super Bowl 49 and it showed when they physically couldn’t hold back their disgust when they lost it in the end. To cement this fact, the 2014 Seahawks never have or will get over this loss. They had the opportunity to beat Brady at his best and came up a yard short against the 3rd best Patriots team of all time. However, losing to the ’14 Patriots in a 60 minute battle does nothing to diminish the quality of team they had.

2) 2004 Colts

Record: 12-4

Defeated them: AFC Divisional Round, 20-3

Head Coach: Tony Dungy

Quarterback: Peyton Manning

Pro Bowlers: Tarik Glenn, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning, Dwight Freeney

It is difficult deciding which Colts team to add to this list. Although the Patriots have battled against many tough Peyton teams, the 2004 Colts stood tallest. Coming off the disappointment that was the 2003 playoffs, the 2004 Colts were motivated, had a better defense and a more coherent offense. Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Brandon Stokley, Dallas Clark, Edgerrin James and pro bowler first round pick tackle Tarik Glenn. Despite a less than elite defense, they had two stellar pass rushers in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis that perpetually put enough pressure on opposing teams to complement their offense. What makes this Colts’ team the second best team the Patriots have defeated is because this Peyton Manning with a full complement of weapons was desperate for revenge. In one of the most underrated Patriots game of all time, Peyton and the Colts lost 27-24 in a nail biter, with 3 red zone turnovers dooming what otherwise was a stellar performance. In addition, despite losing, they proved more than capable of upending the Patriots. Statistically, they are not as complete of a team as some other teams on this list. The 2004 Colts lacked a premiere defense but made up for it with Peyton. There have been two major debates that took place during the construction of this factual list of facts. The first was reconciling that the Giants deserved to be on it and the second was figuring out an appropriate spot for this Colts team. What brings them up a notch and what people may forget is that Peyton had the greatest quarterbacking season ever in 2004 at that time. He broke the touchdown record with 49, threw only 10 picks with an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt. In his 7th season he was in his prime with a full complement of weapons, organizational stability and a feeling it was only a matter of time before he breaks free from his playoff woes and starts bringing home titles. The 2004 Colts deserve respect because they were feared the most. Unfortunately, another dud of a playoff game against the best the Patriots had to offer put an unceremonious end to their season.

1) 2001 Rams

Record: 12-4

Defeated them: Super bowl 36, 20-17

Head Coach: Mike Martz

Quarterback: Kurt Warner

Pro Bowlers: Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Adam Timmerman, Aeneas Williams, Kurt Warner, Orlando Pace, Marshall Faulk

In Super Bowl XXXVI, the Rams were favored by 14 points. An unusually large spread that would be subject to ridicule, but alas when it comes to money, the line was what is was for a reason. The 2001 Rams averaged winning every game by 14 points, sported an MVP quarterback Kurt Warner and Hall of Famer ultra-offensive weapon Marshall Faulk, who accounted for over 2,100 total yards and 21 touchdowns. On the outside, the greatest show on turf had Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt in their prime, both topping 1,100 yards. The 2001 Rams had momentum, talent, the best offense in the NFL and a top 10 defense. Being only two years removed from their 1999 championship, the 2001 Rams had dynasty on their minds. Their confidence was well deserved as they even defeated the Patriots in New England 24-17 earlier in the season. This was the biggest upset in the Brady - Belichick era. Perhaps I was looking at the Patriots with rose-tilted glasses at the time but I can see how the spread was what it was. The Patriots won a snowy debacle of a game in the divisional round and then survived a Brady injury in the AFC Championship game beating the Steelers 24-17 with the help of a punt returned for a TD as well as blocked field goal for a touchdown. Like the 2014 Seahawks, the 2001 Rams were one win away from cementing themselves as an era of football. They were the greatest show on turf that was up against the 22nd ranked passing attack and 13th best rushing attack. Unfortunately for them, they did not find an answer to the Physical nature of the Patriots defense until the fourth quarter and eventually got knocked off after Brady orchestrated some 2 minute heroics, despite the concerned pleas of Madden.

Honorable Mentions

11) 2018 Rams

Record: 13-3

Defeated them: Super bowl 53, 13-3

Despite the porous offensive display by Goff, McVay and company on the biggest stage, this Rams team was a force throughout the year. They ranked 11th in offense all time, averaging 32.9 points per game. Although sporting a disappointing defensive output allowing 24 points a game, they had the talent to beat the best on any Sunday. When Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Aaron Donald, Suh and recent addition Donte Fowler Jr were all on the field, longtime defensive guru Wade Philips had the talent and scheme to make the group a formidable foe. Unfortunately, too much of the season was spent on talking about their potential defensive talent rather than their defensive play. It was their underperforming defense and a sputtering offense late in the season which barely knocked them out of the top 10. In addition, I am not fully sold on Jared Goff. While he has shown he can operate a Sean McVay offense, he is clearly the worst quarterback in this discussion.

12) 2016 Falcons

Record: 11-5

Defeated them: Super bowl 51, 34-28

The 2016 Falcons had a high powered offense. 1st in yards per attempt with horses at receiver, running back, offensive line and a MVP quarterback. Unfortunately for them a below average defense and an uncanny ability to lose games (looking at you Dan Quinn) otherwise elite teams would put away doomed their chances for NFL prestige. Fourth quarter collapses against the Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles and finally and more spectacularly the Patriots disqualifies them from the top 10 discussion.

13) 2005 Steelers

Record: 11-5

Defeated them: Week 3, 23-20

The 2005 Steelers were not perfect. They passed for under 3,000 yards and rushed for a modest 4.0 yards per attempt, good for 12th. However, their defense, loaded with talent, kept the ship afloat and eventually delivered a title. In the playoffs, they matched up against 4 of the top 7 offenses, including shutting down the prolific #2 Colts offense to 18 points with Joey Porter planting Peyton Manning in the ground on consecutive downs late in the fourth. Heading into the Super Bowl, the Seahawks sported the #1 ranked offense but got held to a measly 10 points. What made the 2005 Steelers special was it was Bill Cower’s and Jerome Bettis’ last chance to win a Super Bowl and the team (with their steady core) played with that sense of oneness and urgency.

Honorable Jaguars Teams

2017 Jaguars

Record: 10-6

Defeated them: AFC Championship, 24-20

If you think I am ridiculous for including the Jaguars into this glorious list, you are correct. I will not pass on an opportunity to talk Jaguars. Despite the 10-6 record, their defense could stand up to anyone. They were the perfect combination of cocky and talented. And by "they" I mean their defense. The offense did enough to keep them out of enough trouble and for a time Bortles looked like a NFL quarterback. They relied on running backs Leonard Fournette and TJ Yeldon to keep drives alive and control the possession while their ball hawking defense provided big plays and energy. This Jaguars team was even an early whistle away from taking a 27-10 fourth quarter lead against the Patriots after Myles Jack forced a fumble, recovered and appeared to be galloping towards the end zone when the refs blew the play dead thinking he was already down by contact. Regardless, they still had other opportunities to win the game and Bortles ended up not being able to deliver, causing Coughlin to hold a bitter grudge against him, thus blaming him for their 2018 problems and replacing him with perennial stud Cody Kessler.

2007 Jaguars

Record: 11-5

Defeated them: AFC Divisional Round, 31-20

I would consider the 2007 Jaguars the class of the Jaguars’ teams. The 2007 season was when Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew provided the perfect complement of running backs. Fred Taylor rushed for 1,202 yards and 5 touchdowns with an impressive 5.4 yards per carry while Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for 768 yards and 9 touchdowns. With such a strong rushing attack, David Garrard conducted the offense with surprising efficiency, routinely orchestrating long drives that would eat up the better part of a quarter. In the 2007 season, they successfully defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers twice in Pittsburgh, the only team to do so since they did it again in 2017. Defensively, Marcus Stroud, John Henderson and Paul Spicer played at a pro bowl level, while Rashean Mathis, Reggie Nelson and Sammy Knight proved to be a formidable secondary. Additionally, they played in a division that had three playoff teams (13-3 Colts, 10-6 Titans & missing out were the 8-8 Texans). What outdid them was a combination of running into the 2007 Patriots, not being able to overcome the Colts, and not having the proper defensive scheme to play against Brady. Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Mike Smith ran a soft zone coverage that is designed to stop big plays and force offenses to complete long drives down the field to score. Unfortunately, that is exactly what Brady did; completing 26 of 28 passes (two drops) and 3 touchdowns. Despite this, the Patriots won a contested game 31-20, ending the most promising season for the Jaguars.

Why do you care about 2004 so much?

Why do people ask questions that prove they did not pay attention to the 2004 NFL season? There were 4 NFL tanks that were in full gear that year. The Patriots were going for their 3rd super bowl victory in 4 years, Peyton Manning had the greatest quarterbacking season in NFL history; the Eagles were an improved version of a perennial NFC Championship caliber team and the Steelers had the best defense, best running attack and went 15-1 in the regular season. Brady, Manning and Roethlisberger are unquestioned Hall of Famers while Donovan McNabb may be the best non Hall of fame quarterback of all time. All 4 teams were led by Hall of Fame caliber coaches with Dungy already inducted, Belichick and Reid being certainties, and Cower being nominated as a semi-finalist in 2018. To make it more apparent that I am not romanticizing 2004, consider that the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2005 (beating the Colts in the AFC Championship game) and then the Colts won the Super Bowl in 2006 (beating the Patriots in the AFC Championship game). The Eagles suffered after the Super Bowl loss, having a hilariously entertaining public feud between TO and McNabb but that core Eagles team made it to 4 consecutive NFC Championship games, with the 2004 team being the best out of the group. In layman’s terms, these 4 teams were F'n good.

Sources:

Myself

https://www.pro-football-reference.com

YouTube