Undefeated IS Exceptional!

I am getting really tired of pundits saying we have to hold off on anointing the 2007 Patriots as one of best teams ever. In the history of the NFL, only 4 teams have completed the regular season with a perfect record, the Bears twice ('34 and '42), the Dolphins ('72), and now the Patriots ('07). So, in the entire history of the NFL, this has happened only 4 times! I think that right there makes a case for this Patriots team of being one of the best ever. If they manage to win the Super Bowl, then they will do what only 1 other NFL team has done, the Dolphins (the Bears teams both lost in the Championship game). And in all of professional football, only 1 other team has had a perfect season, the Browns in  '48 went 15-0, winning the championship of the AAFL (ironically, the domination by the Browns (52-4-3 in four seasons) is partly what caused the demise of the AAFL and subsequent merger with the NFL). However, while the NFL acknowledges the feat, it does not recognize the record as part of its official history since the Browns did it prior to the merger.

So, regardless of what happens in this post season, the Patriots have done what only a select few teams have ever done. I think, of the many years of the NFL and all the great teams that have come along throughout the years, this makes a very specific statement of excellence. If the Patriots can finish it off and win the Super Bowl, it will simply be an exclamation point on what is already a record breaking season and team effort.

Aside: And to all of those who say this season is somehow tainted by the cheating against the Jets, let's remember a couple of facts:

1. It happened for less than one half of one game and wasn't even used in that game. Also, this was the first half of the first game of the season.
   
2. The team was doing something that is legal to do by NFL rules, the man was just stationed in an inappropriate location from which to do it.
3. Goodell said that, had further evidence beyond that one game been found, he would have penalized the team more harshly. Since he didn't, I can only assume no further evidence of illicit behavior was found on the many hours of tapes the team turned over to Goodell's investigators.
4. This act did not influence the outcome of any of the 16 games the team played, and they still managed to win all 16.

As a community, Americans need to stop and take a long, hard look at what we consider excellence. We need to stop focusing on the championship game in whatever sport or activity and start looking at the body of work, the entire season, and allowing as how someone can be dominant and the "best" without getting a championship (or equivalent). The amount of good breaks and good luck that you need to win the championship doesn't account for the hard work, preparation, and actual skill it takes to compile a winning record during the season.