In any other year, the New England Patriots' record-setting 21 straight wins would have been the top story across sports pages nationwide. Of course, 2004 wasn't any other--it was the year the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. Nonetheless, it remains a nearly inarguable fact that Bill Bellichick's Patriots are shaping up to be the first real dynasty of the millennium. What makes the success of the team even more amazing is that just four years ago, all of this would have been unthinkable.
In Patriot Reign, a surprisingly in-depth look at the three years in which Bellichick and New England captured two Lombardi trophies, veteran Boston Globe writer Michael Holley gives fans a behind-the-scenes peek at an amazing coach and an amazing team. Though Holley ostensibly doesn't pull any punches, exploring briefly the difficult years in which the franchise struggled under the guidance of Bill Parcells and the sidelining of star quarterback Drew Bledsoe in favor of sixth-round draft pick Tom Brady, the writer is clearly enamored of his subject matter. There is no moment at which Holley deigns not to praise Bellichick, who, though he may be considered the best coach in the NFL by some, is virtually canonized by Holley's glowing prose.
No one disputes that the Pats are Bellichick's team, so its not surprising that much of the book focuses on the head coach, both on and off the field. Since understanding Bellichick's approach to football necessitates understanding his approach to life, Holley delves into everything from the man's college years to his parenting skills.
Plenty of space is devoted to the players, as well, though none more so than Brady, about whom Holley can also seemingly find nothing negative to say.
While Pats fans will enjoy the "embedded" feel of the book--Holley quit his job at the Globe to follow the team full-time--more critical readers may find the lack of objectivity somewhat frustrating, particularly because of the missed opportunity to really grill Bellichick and company.
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1 - Bryce Eddings
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