Top NFL Reigns of Greatness

     The NFL has seen many powerful forces sustain greatness for a period of time. What exactly defines a NFL franchise reign of greatness? I think at the very least there has to be multiple Super Bowl appearances or one Super Bowl victory. Most of these teams make the playoffs year after year and have deep runs in the playoffs, but what team had the greatest reign of greatness in the Super Bowl era? Read the list and debate. (In depth analysis on all teams coming soon)

Didn't Make the Cut

1984-1990 Chicago Bears- "The Ditka Era" 

1988-1996 Buffalo Bills- "The Levy Era" 

2001-Present Pittsburgh Steelers- "The Cowher/Tomlin Era" 

2000-Present Philadelphia Eagles- "The McNabb Era" 

1992-Present Green Bay Packers- "The Favre/Rodgers Era" 

10 1999-Present Indianapolis Colts- "The Manning Era" 

1 Super Bowl Victory (XLI) 

2 Super Bowl Appearances (XLI, XLIV)

9 Division Titles 

11 Playoff Appearances

3 Conference Championship Appearances (2003, 2006, 2009)

7 Straight Seasons of 12 victories or more

4 Seasons of 13 or more victories 

Pro Bowl Caliber Players- 11: Peyton Manning, Edgerin James, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Jeff Saturday, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathias, Cato June, Gary Brackett, 

Bob Sanders 

Hall of Fame Players (Assumption)- 7

     The Colts have had a great run. They have been one of, if not the, most dominant regular season teams of all time. The only thing holding the Colts back is their postseason performance; only producing 9 postseason victories and 1 Super Bowl title. This Colts team is one of the most exciting teams of all time, which places them at number 10.

9 1967-1985 Oakland/LA Raiders- "The Madden/Flores Era" 

3 Super Bowl Victories (XI, XV, XVIII)

4 Super Bowl Appearances (II, XI, XV, XVIII)

8 1970-1978 Dallas Cowboys- "The Landry Era" 

2 Super Bowl Victories (VI, XII)

5 Super Bowl Appearances (V,VI, X, XII, XIII)

7 1970-1975 Miami Dolphins- "The Shula Era" 

2 Super Bowl Victories (VII, VIII)

3 Super Bowl Appearances (VI, VII, VIII)

6 1982-1992 Washington Redskins- "The Gibbs Era" 

3 Super Bowl Victories (XVII, XXII, XXVI)

4 Super Bowl Appearances (XVII, XVIII, XXII, XXVI)

5 1991-1996 Dallas Cowboys- "The Jones Era" 

3 Super Bowl Victories (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)

3 Super Bowl Appearances (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)

4 1961-1967 Green Bay Packers- "The Lombardi Era" 

5 NFL/Super Bowl Victories (I, II)

5 NFL/Super Bowl Victories (I, II)

3 2001-Present New England Patriots- "The Brady/Belichick Era" 

3 Super Bowl Victories (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)

4 Super Bowl Appearances (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLII)

8 Division Titles

8 Playoff Appearances 

5 Conference Championship Appearances (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007) 

Undefeated Regular Season 2007

3 Seasons of 14 or more Victories

10 Seasons of 9 victories or more

14 Playoff Victories

Pro Bowl Caliber Players- 14: Tom Brady, Corey Dillon, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour, Tedi Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, Ty Law, Rodney Harrison, Adam Vinatieri

Hall of Fame Players (Assumption)- 8

     The Patriots are the new definition of sustained excellence. They are the model franchise of the NFL, not spending too much money or attention on super stars, but finding the key role players that allow them to win Super Bowls. It would've helped if they won Super Bowl XLII and completed the undefeated season; then there is no question that they were the greatest team and dynasty of all time. But given their level of domination and steadiness, this Patriots squad has the third greatest reign in NFL history.

2 1981-1998 San Francisco 49ers- "The Montana and Young Era" 

5 Super Bowl Victories (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)

5 Super Bowl Appearances (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)

1 1972-1979 Pittsburgh Steelers- "The Steel Curtain Era" 

4 Super Bowl Victories (IX, X, XIII, XIV)

4 Super Bowl Appearances (IX, X, XIII, XIV)