TRACKING PATS’ DOMINANCE

ATLANTA — Here’s the breakdown of New England’s dynastic run of either winning the Super Bowl, or losing in the playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl champ, in 12 of the past 18 seasons:

After the 2001 season the Patriots won the Super Bowl.

After 2003 and again after 2004 they won the Super Bowl.

After 2006 they lost in the AFC playoffs to the Indianapolis Colts, who won the Super Bowl.

After 2007 they lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

After 2011 they lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.

After 2012 they lost in the AFC playoffs to the Baltimore Ravens, who won the Super Bowl.

After 2014 they won the Super Bowl.

After 2015 they lost in the AFC playoffs to the Denver Broncos, who won the Super Bowl.

After 2016 they won the Super Bowl.

After 2017 they lost the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In the six unmentioned years in between, the Patriots either didn’t make the playoffs (2002, 2008) or lost in the AFC playoffs to a team that didn’t win the Super Bowl (2005-09-10-13).

So there you are. The road to

Super Bowl glory in the 21st century usually, eventually, pits you against Hoody McGrumpypants, Tom Perfect and their ever-revolving supporting cast.