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The suspense to find out the greatest Patriots player of all time will have as much suspense as your typical Super Bowl from the 1980s. This one is a runaway. But there are some interesting questions, especially at No. 2. Does that intrigue you? I hope it does, because here is the list of the six greatest Patriots.
Honestly, I just should have left Tom Brady off this list for the six other greatest.
And without further ado ...
Armstrong was the anchor of the Patriots' offensive line during those lean years from 1986 to 2000, just before the team became a dynasty. Armstrong was selected to six Pro Bowls. He is inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, and is one of seven players to have his number retired.
Haynes was a first-round selection of the Patriots in 1976, and he quickly established himself as one of the game's best, earning defensive rookie of the year honors with eight interceptions. He also had the first punt returns for touchdown in Patriots history. Haynes earned six Pro Bowl bids for the Patriots during his seven years in New England.
Tippett retired as the Patriots' leader in career sacks, sacks in a season (when he had 18.5 in 1984) and opponent fumbles recovered. He also led the AFC with 16.5 sacks and was selected as the AFC Defensive Player of the Year during the Patriots' Super Bowl season in 1985.
"Sports Illustrated" called John Hannah the best offensive lineman of all time in 1981, and you would find few in New England to argue against such a thing. Hannah was a 10-time All-Pro selection and tabbed the lineman of the year four times. So it appears a lot of others agreed with "Sports Illustrated," too.
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Adam Vinatieri
A kicker in this spot might seem strange, but you can't argue against Vinatieri. Well, you could but you'd be wrong. Everybody remembers the "Tuck Rule," but Vinatieri had to knock down two big kicks in the snow. And, oh yeah, he also kicked two winners in Super Bowls. So, the No. 2 spot does make sense.
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Tom Brady
It's hard to argue against this selection. Brady has led the Patriots to three Super Bowl wins, including the improbable win over St. Louis in Super Bowl XXXVI, and now has the Patriots playing in their fifth Super Bowl since taking over for Drew Bledsoe all of those years ago. And he's married to Gisele. He has to be No. 1.
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