The Dallas Cowboys have long-been thought of as one the league's premier franchises. For a long time, they led the NFL in Super Bowl appearances (8), were tied for most Super Bowl victories (5), and owned the streak for most consecutive playoff appearances with 9.
They have always been “America's Team,” and still command top dollar at opponent's stadiums. And despite their lack of success, the Cowboys continue to lead the league in jersey sales and TV ratings nearly every season.
But putting all the branding and off-the-field stuff aside, the last 20 years have put a serious damper on what the Cowboys franchise represents.
A franchise which once knew nothing but Tom Landry and excellence has suffered ridicule after Blake Bortles and the Jaguars reach a place Dallas hasn't been in far too long: a conference championship game.
This Sunday, the New England Patriots look to break their tie with the Cowboys for Super Bowl victories at five. By getting their sixth — third in the last four years — the Patriots will tie the Steelers for most championships in NFL history. They have already passed the Cowboys in Super Bowl appearances, getting their 10th this season, and now look to leave them in their dust in terms of victories as well.
New England has also sustained their dynasty throughout a day and age where dynasties are not supposed to exist. The NFL has put an emphasis on parity in the NFL, and with their free agency and draft rules it should be more difficult for a team to sustain excellence like the Patriots have.
Of course, this has everything to do with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
For as good as Tony Romo was, he was certainly not Tom Brady. Even Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach cannot match Brady's accomplishments. Plus, the Cowboys have come nowhere near excellence at their head coaching spot since Jimmy Johnson roamed their sidelines in the early 90s.
While New England was relatively irrelevant for a long time, this Brady/Belichick run is now creeping up near two decades long. It's been quite a long time since the Patriots have had a losing record, or have been labeled as irrelevant around the league.
With all of this being said, I ask: If the Patriots win their sixth Super Bowl Sunday, do they become a more successful franchise than the Cowboys?
Historically, the Cowboys are still one of the top five franchises in football. But the recent success of the Patriots and mediocrity of the Cowboys has made this question legitimate.
I will always be partial to the Cowboys (mostly due to my fandom), but I wanted to see what other fans think. Comment below with your opinion, even if you're calling me a young idiot.
