We're talking about a quarterback, don't pretend that any other position on that field has more leverage in determining the outcome of any given game, all other things being equal. (They're not, but we're talking about a 14 year span.)
An isolation that shouldn't change the standard. Most people run to rings, even though no one would suggest seriously that Bill Russell is the greatest basketball player of all time even though you could easily argue his production had more to to with his team wins than any quarterback and he has the rings.
No, it's about or should be about how well or poorly you play the position, if you're approaching greatness rationally. Most fans and many in the media don't and never have. It's remarkable really.
The only thread that remains from 01 to 14 is owner Kraft, coach Belichick, and QB Brady.
And until the Seattle mistake at the goal line they hadn't won a title, to use your metric, without their future hall of fame kicker, who was disproportionately responsible for them getting to and winning the three rings they had.
And Nick has already shown ITT that without Brady, Belichick is only above average and not a champion.
How many championships did the Steelers win with Chuck but without Bradshaw to steer his offense? How many rings did the Niners win without the man who put together their first three? Same as the Cowboys without Johnson.
Or, you need both for anything like a dynasty. One without the other may produce a ring, but that's about it. Which is one reason Gibbs rates near the top of my coaching tree. He managed three with three different qbs, non of which were HOF candidates. Remarkable.
He's not the exaggerated "most overrated coach," he's just above average, and cannot get to the big show without Brady managing on the field, let alone win any rings.
I think he's one of the best adjusters/defensive coaches in the game. And that, when you have a great qb and are smart enough to put good people into position to run an offense, will amount to something.
In fact, didn't you just make my point ?
How do you figure that? :e4e: