New England Patriots · Franchise era 3 of 7
Parcells and Bledsoe reset expectations: the New England Patriots story
Franchise era
1993—2000
Parcells and Bledsoe reset expectations
New England Patriots
The story in one sentence
Robert Kraft's ownership and Bill Parcells's coaching stabilized the organization, leading to Super Bowl XXXI and a roster ready for another regime.
A No. 1 quarterback brings the Patriots back
Drew Bledsoe, Ben Coates and Ty Law gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the first dynasty.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1993
What came before
New England produced several excellent teams and reached Super Bowl XX before ownership turmoil and a near-relocation threatened the franchise.
1997-01-05
Divisional Round: Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots
1997-01-12
Conference Championship: Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots
1997-01-26
Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers vs New England Patriots
After 2000
What came next
Brady replaced an injured Bledsoe and Belichick's adaptable teams won three Super Bowls in four seasons.
The core